Sports facilities could be approved in £2.4m scheme

If approved, the council hope improved sports facilities could help residents in Stowmarket get more active

A town could receive improved sports facilities including a 3G football pitch as part of a £2.4m scheme to address health inequalities.

Mid Suffolk District Council will meet to discuss how they can deliver the first stage of the Stowmarket Health, Education and Leisure Facilities (Shelf) project.

Part of the initial plans include the 3G pitch, an improved pitch for Stowmarket RUFC, community running track and additional paths and fencing.

Tim Weller, cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: "We've listened to what people want."

A sports, leisure and physical activity strategy in 2021, found that increased facilities were needed in the town.

New facilities include construction of a new sports hall and pavilion and a multi-agency wellbeing space.

'Ambitious'

Mr Weller, from the ruling Green group, said although the plans might seem "ambitious", they would be introduced in stages.

"We are excited about these first plans for delivery which will offer improved sporting facilities to help Stowmarket's growing population be more active," he said.

"This project has evolved to include different facilities designed to benefit the health and wellbeing of the local community."

The proposal has been developed with Suffolk County Council, Stowmarket Town Council, schools, the leisure centre and sports clubs, NHS, Active Suffolk, the Football Foundation and Sport England.

Mid Suffolk said that that while about 12% of residents were classed as obese - higher than the average in England- it rose with children where 26.4% were obese or overweight.

The council's cabinet will meet on Tuesday, 9 January to consider a recommendation to put £450,000 towards the £2.4m scheme.