SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has announced nearly £300k of improvements to open spaces

Sports facilities in Cadbury Heath and Wotton-Under-Edge are set to benefit from almost £300,000 of improvements, thanks to developer funding negotiated by SGC.

The funding, which has been secured via a Section 106 agreement with the developer of Land South Of Wotton Road, Charfield, will deliver improvements to Banjo Island Community and Sports Association in Cadbury Heath, and Wotton Community Sports Foundation.

Banjo Island Community and Sports Association will receive £52,212 to improve drainage on the grass pitches, enhance the changing facilities and purchase a wide range of sporting equipment for football, cricket, tennis and outdoor badminton which will enable them to increase the number of people able to benefit from using the facilities throughout the year.

A total of £243,873 will go Wotton Community Sports Foundation to construct two new, junior football pitches and the purchase of a ride on cylinder mower, a pitch marker, and goals for both pitches. The new pitches and associated equipment will provide playing facilities for young people, aged 12 to 16.

Rachael Hunt, cabinet member for communities and tourism at SCG, said:

“We are delighted to have secured this developer funding, which will help to provide additional sporting facilities and equipment so more people will be able to benefit from active and healthy lifestyles.

“Banjo Island Community and Sports Association in Cadbury Heath will be able to offer improved facilities and a range of new equipment because of this funding which will be a great asset for the local community.

“The construction of two, new junior football pitches at Wotton Community Sports Foundation will be a fantastic addition to the facilities already on offer and I’m sure it will encourage more young people from the surrounding communities, including Charfield, to get active.

“We are committed to improving our communities, with more than £10 million having been invested into open areas and green spaces since 2015.”

South Gloucestershire Council has an ongoing programme of grant applications to enhance the quality of its green spaces.

Funding has been provided by various bodies such as developers, National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), and People’s Postcode Lottery, among other external sources.