GREEN spaces across Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury and Yate are set to receive a massive £570,000 investment for upgrades and improvements from South Gloucestershire Council.

The Section 106 funding, which comes from developer contributions as new houses are built in the community, is specifically allocated towards improving open spaces.

South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet have published the proposal, which will be formally signed off on Wednesday, January 24.

Among those set to benefit from the funds are Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club, who will receive £169,000 to upgrade and extend their floodlighting, as current lighting equipment are beyond repair.

In Thornbury, Streamleaze will receive a £29,000 upgrade to its open space, which will include installing new play equipment to improve what is already on offer and allow more children to play there.

In Yate and Dodington, Brimsham Green School will be granted £74,000 to resurface outdoor courts, which have seen a decline in use due to the surface having worn away.

New play and gym equipment will be installed in Lilliput Park and Kingsgate Park, costing £55,000 and £73,000 respectively, which will be aimed at younger people, but able to be used by adults of all abilities, and will include disabled access.

Further grants of £29,000, £89,000 and £49,000 will be used respectively to upgrade and improve play equipment at Woodchester Play Area, Dodington, in Abbotswood Shopping Precinct and in Howard Lewis Park.

Cllr Heather Goddard, SGC’s cabinet member for communities, said: “It is so important that we provide opportunities for people to socialise in their communities.

“If we can invest in our parks so that those opportunities involve physical exercise then these places not only become green havens away from our busy lives, but also somewhere we can go to keep fit and exercise.

“I am proud to be announce this investment of well over half a million pounds in sports facilities and play equipment.”

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall added: "As a Yate resident and father I know what an important resource our local parks and family-friendly play facilities are for our community.

“I fully share Yate residents' appreciation for our green spaces as vital spaces enabling families to enjoy the outdoors together.

“That is why I am delighted that the Conservatives are investing in these projects and delivering a huge package of investment and funding for Yate."