More than half a million pounds in funding secured by Conservatives is set to be invested in local sports clubs, public open spaces and improvements to library facilities across South Gloucestershire.

Among the areas to benefit in the latest tranche are Frenchay and Downend, Charlton Hayes and Patchway, with a combined pot of almost £450,000 being invested into a wide range of new and improved facilities.

A further £96,000 is also set to be used to enhance facilities at libraries in Emersons Green and Downend to improve library facilities across South Gloucestershire.

The funding comes in the form of developer contributions, from the developments at the Former Frenchay Hospital site, the Land at Junction of Hayes Way site in Charlton Hayes and The Gateway site in Emersons Green.

Councillor Rachael Hunt, Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place, said: “I am delighted that South Gloucestershire Council have been able to negotiate this funding to support local sports clubs and biodiversity work across the district, continuing our commitment to help keep people active and improve our public open spaces with more than £11million invested by Conservatives since 2015.”

“I am also pleased to see this fresh investment being directed towards upgrading facilities at these two popular local libraries, helping to ensure these community resources meet the needs of residents.”