More than £17,000 in community cash has been made available to improve sports provision in and around Ottery – and residents are being asked for ideas on how to spend it.

The money, which has been secured through developer contributions (section 106 funds), can be used to improve existing facilities, build new ones or spent on fixed equipment like football goals. Individuals, sports clubs and community groups can submit ideas for consideration, and the money is not just limited to Ottery – suggestions from residents in West Hill, Alfington, Tipton St John and Wiggaton are welcome too.

Mayor Glyn Dobson said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for local sports clubs to benefit from this fund.

“I am very keen to support this project and would encourage you to contact the town council with your ideas.”

Recent successful proposals on where to spend section 106 cash have included a new outdoor gym in Sidmouth, an all-weather strip at Sidbury Cricket Club and the resurfacing of tennis courts at Exmouth’s Phear Park.

A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said: “Your proposal could just be an idea - it does not need to be a worked up project.”

Suggestions on how to spend the £17,300 must be submitted to Ottery Town Council by Monday, July 7, and include contact details, information on what the proposal is and an estimate of how much funding it would require.

“This could be as little as a paragraph. We can then contact you for further information if we need to,” the spokesperson added.

Once the town council has received the proposals, residents will be given a chance to look at all the ideas and vote on them, with the ideas that gain the most votes receiving funding.

Proposals can be submitted via email to enquiries@otterystmary-tc.gov.uk or can be posted or handed in to the town council offices in Broad Street.