Work starts on new venue for French game

The work is under way and is expected to take 14 weeks

Work is under way to create a new venue in Plymouth for people to play pétanque.

Pétanque is a sport similar to bowls which uses metal balls and comes from France.

Ten tracks are being created on land in Stonehouse Creek.

The work is expected to take 14 weeks, and once completed there will be car parking available for players.

'Worked hard'

Plymouth Pétanque spokesperson Robert Preston said it's "a great game as it can be for any age".

He added: “We are quite a chatty bunch, so it is a social game and I am hoping that being a more open location might encourage more people to get involved.”

The new terrain is to replace one at Brickfields, which is undergoing an extensive redevelopment that will see new facilities for Argyle’s youth academy.

Councillor Sue Dann, cabinet member for customer services, sport and leisure said: “We have worked hard to find a new site for this group to continue to enjoy pétanque.

"They have more than 80 players, so we were keen to find them a new home so that they could continue to enjoy the sport and each other’s company."

A planning application was submitted in November and granted in January and the land is leased by Devonport Community Leisure Ltd.