More than £60,000 pledged for sports and facility upgrades in Devon
Drainage and play area improvements funded by North Devon Council
North Devon Council has committed over £60,000 for enhancements to local sports pitches and children's play facilities, addressing concerns like waterlogging and outdated equipment.
The council's strategy and resources committee approved a funding request from Fremington Parish Council, allocating £46,000 for a new drainage system on the northern boundary of Tews Lane Playing Field, which is regularly affected by waterlogging.
These funds come from section 106 contributions—the community funds developers provide upon securing planning permission for local developments. Specifically for the Tews Lane project, this money originates from Glenwood Farm, situated on Old Bideford Road.
Barnstaple FC, which utilises these pitches for training and youth matches, will benefit from this initiative. Fremington Parish Council will cover any shortfall to ensure the completion of the drainage project.
In Barnstaple’s Town Walk play area, managed by North Devon Council, £16,000 has been allocated for a new swing set with safety surfacing. These funds derive from the section 106 budget related to the 22/23 High Street, Barnstaple development.
Further improvements at the Town Walk play area include upgraded fencing and a repaint of existing play equipment, funded by the council's parks budget.