New multi-use games area for Sidmouth

An ‘outdated’ and ‘tired’ games area in Sidmouth is to have a £60,000 makeover when work begins next month.

An ‘outdated and tired’ games area in Sidmouth will get a £60,000 makeover - with work set to begin next month.

The current facility, near the youth centre in Manstone Lane, is to be transformed into a multi-use area for all ages and will include markings and goals for sports such as basketball, netball, five-a-side football and skill walls.

Sidmouth Town Counciland East Devon District Council have splashed Section 106 funding - cash from developers - on the projects after residents put a games area as one of the top items on their wish list.

The councils’ have also worked with youth centre members to finalise the design to match up with a mural painted on the side of the building (see 8).

Devon County Council has worked to transfer the land to the town council for it to maintain for the community.

Councillor Jeff Turner, chairman of the town council, said: “It is great news that the project to build the new games area and improve this part of the town is coming to fruition after work by all three councils.

“I am proud that Sidmouth Town Council will adopt this wonderful new facility to be used by the whole community.”

Work is due to begin in April, with the games area opening later in the spring.

Councillor Iain Chubb, EDDC’s portfolio holder for the environment said: “It’s great news that the money, which has come from developers, is being used to provide a much-needed amenity for our young people. These facilities will be available to all and as a result of involving our young people in the planning process the games area and the equipment will be what they have asked for.

“Thank you to the young people who originally proposed the idea, the community that came out to vote for the sports projects they wanted to see happen and to Sidmouth Youth Centre for helping with the final design.”