Pitches needed

Like so many parents of children in the Sid Valley, I was genuinely pleased to read the front page of the Herald with the news that funding will be available to help improve facilities for the rugby and cricket club.

I was, however, really surprised and disappointed that the residents of Sidmouth were not given the chance to vote for a proposal that would have benefited those of our children who enjoy their football.

I gather that there are nearly 300 children registered with the Sidmouth Junior Vikings making them one of the largest junior football clubs in Devon.

My 10-year-old son is one of the majority of those children who are not able to play matches or train within the valley because there is no pitch for them to play on.

Despite knowing that this was the position, East Devon District Council were seemingly unable to find a single penny of the £250,000 to deal with what is obviously a really pressing need for further facilities for junior football.

I am sure that the residents of Sidmouth would share my interest in knowing how EDDC has allowed that situation to arise?

The situation seems especially surprising since they seem to have managed to find £175,000 for a gym, improved cycle facilities and an all-weather multi games area that none of the local clubs had seemingly asked for.

Paul Bennett

via email.