OKEHAMPTON Town Council has given its backing to a major plan to improve the town’s rugby club pitches.

This week town councillors supported the club’s application to West Devon Borough Council for £30,000 towards the £600,000 project.

The money is being sought from the 106 Community Facilities Fund to improve the club’s second pitch and is part of a five-year plan by Okehampton Rugby Club to enhance current pitches at Oaklands Park and provide additional playing facilities at Hilltown Cross.

The project was launched in October 2015 and work is due to start in May this year.

At a meeting of Okehampton Town Council on Monday, councillors agreed to put their support behind the application.

Cllr Paul Vachon said: ‘All they’re asking is for our support. It will be West Devon Borough Council that makes the decision.’

The money requested by the rugby club would come from a particular section of the 106 fund, particularly for sports and recreation.

Cllr Tony Leech said: ‘The rugby club has been trying to get help for new sports fields for years. Their existing pitches are in such a terrible state. The main pitch is dangerous because it was built on a former tip. They can get sharp things coming up through the grass — they have to do something about it. As a West Devon Borough Councillor I’ve said I’d support it — I think it’s a good use for the money.’

Cllr Ben Stephens was also in support of the application. He said: ‘I think it’s a very worthwhile application and propose that we support it.’

Cllr Julie Yelland was in agreement. She said: ‘The rugby club has a very sound business plan as to how they are going to use the money.’

The decision is due to be made by West Devon Borough Council in the near future.

Okehampton Rugby Club has also been seeking funds from the Rugby Football Union, Sport England and other sources and has initiated its own fundraising programme.