New era for Ottery sport

WORK on a �45,000 bid to transform an overgrown piece of Ottery land into a new sporting facility for the town will begin next Monday (October 5).

An international croquet coach and several local groups have already set their sights on utilising the un-used two-and-a-half acre strip off Strawberry Lane, between the town's bowling and cricket clubs.

The construction of a fenced access road to the land, which will include parking spaces and a turning area, is set to be completed by Broadclyst based JTT Contracting Limited by the end of October. The rugged land will also be drained.

"We'll leave it as a level, green field ready for future use," said JTT major works director Stephen Rupp, who anticipated the job will take around three weeks.

Devon County Council has covered the cost of the bid with cash generated from the sale of Exeter Airport. As part of its 'Investing in Devon' programme, the council handed over �45,000 in the hope the money will improve Ottery's sport, leisure and community facilities.

Mayor Glyn Dobson was thankful to all the parties who have helped get the bid "off the ground".

He said: "By next year this will look completely different. This is a milestone in the project and the beginning of bringing everything together."

County councillor Roger Giles, a driving force behind the bid, said: "We hope that this access road will be just the beginning in developing this land to provide the space we so desperately need.

"There's a huge shortage of recreational and cultural facilities in Ottery, and many residents have to drive elsewhere in order to access amenities.

"There is a lot of interest locally from various groups who need somewhere to go and practice, and, by giving them this area, not only will it provide a physical space for them to use but also help to foster and enhance community spirit.