Berinsfield sports centre gets upgraded with 3G football pitch

Councillors Robin Bennett and Maggie Filipova-Rivers are happy for the update at the Abbey Centre

A sports centre now boasts a brand new 3G pitch for playing 5-a-side football.

Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield, Oxfordshire, got the 3G Artificial Turf Pitch thanks to an investment of nearly £180,000.

The pitch, which is owned by South Oxfordshire District Council, has replaced a surface which was laid in 2009 and was no longer playable.

The refurbishment brings the surface up to current standards and will require less maintenance, said the council.

This new pitch replaces an old surface that was no longer playable

The 3G in the name stands for a third-generation synthetic surface which consists of three elements: synthetic turf, sand infill and rubber infill.

The council said the artificial turf improves safety for those using it and is low maintenance as it does not require cutting or any treatment.

In addition, the site has new LED lighting, better fencing and drainage around the pitch has also been improved.

The work cost £179,647 and was part-funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Oxfordshire County Council also contributed as the authority for schools in the county.

Work to renew the sports hall floor at the centre will start this year.

The new pitch will require less maintenance than before

Robin Bennett, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said he was sure the pitch was going to get a lot of use.

"It looks impressive and the fact that it will require less maintenance and helps the environment as it doesn't need treating with chemicals is a win-win," he said.

"I hope to play a game myself here in the future."

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