RESIDENTS in Sidmouth, Sidbury and Sidford have been invited to have a say on how £150,000 should be spent on sports provisions.

Town and district councils have teamed up to appeal to householders, voluntary and community groups for ideas on how to use the funding.

The cash kitty has been accumulated from housing developments in the parish – and now it is decision time on how it should be spent.

The money can be spent anywhere in Sidmouth Town Council’s constituency, with members are keen to hear ideas.

Chairman, Councillor John Hollick, said: “There have been new homes built in Sidmouth which, as well as bringing much-needed housing, has also resulted in us benefiting from this money from developers.

“We hope that as many people as possible will send us their ideas”.

Several different sport projects - like BMX tracks, skate parks, basketball courts or an outdoor gym or a cricket or football pitch - could benefit from the money.

The funding could also be used to improve existing facilities such as pitch resurfacing.

It must be for permanently sited recreation equipment.

The Section 106 money, collected by East Devon District Council (EDDC), could be spent on pitches, courts, lawns, greens, and tracks and training areas.

Once installed, the recreation facilities or equipment must be open and accessible to the whole community.

Funding cannot be spent on buildings, indoor facilities, professional sports grounds or golf courses.

Cllr Andrew Moulding, EDDC deputy leader and cabinet member for strategic development and partnerships, said: “In these days of austerity it is a pleasure to be able to say that there is some money available for investment in Sidmouth’s community and this is an opportunity to ask people how they think it should be used.”

Once the town council has received proposals, Sidmouth residents will be given a chance to look at all the ideas and vote on them.

The ones that gain the most votes are where the money will be spent.

Anyone not sure if their project would be eligible can contact EDDC’s community engagement and funding officer on 01395 517569.

• All proposals must be submitted to Sidmouth Town Council by Friday, June 28.

Send your name, the name of your group, your contact details, information on what your proposal is and an estimate of how much funding you want to apply for.

Email town.clerk@sidmouth.gov.uk or post an application to: Sidmouth Town Clerk, Sidmouth Town Council, Woolcombe House, Woolcombe Lane, Sidmouth, EX10 9BB.

Applications need to be marked with ‘Sports Money Idea’.