BUDDING sportsmen and women in Okehampton could benefit from the building of a new all-weather pitch and running track in the town.

A proposal to build a third generation sports pitch, complete with running track, has been submitted to Okehampton Town Council by the Okehampton Skills and Sports Trust.

The trust, which has gained support from Okehampton College and Okehampton Football Club, aims to build a new sports facility that will benefit young people in the town.

The proposal has requested the council lease an area of Simmons Park, near the college, to enable to the construction of the new facility.

Ian Courtney, chair of governors at Okehampton College and a trustee for the Okehampton Skills and Sports Trust explained that the new pitch would be built next to the cricket field.

‘This is a great opportunity for the town,’ said Mr Courtney

‘The only land big enough for an all-weather pitch and running track is next to the cricket field. However, in order to build the new facility, the current football club would need to be relocated. We are proposing to build the club a brand new grass pitch with sufficient drainage facilities.

‘The trust can cover the cost of the all- weather facility, running track and new grass pitch, however, the football club would need to apply for funding in order to build a new clubhouse and changing rooms.

‘Part of the land in discussion is owned by the college and the other part is leased by the council. We hope that the council will extend the leaseon the land in order for us to build the new facility that will benefit the town.

‘We are, of course, going to be sensitive to the visual impact and aesthetics of the facility. We will ensure that proper fencing is put in place as well as nets to ensure that the sports activities are contained and don’t affect the on-goings in the park itself.

‘The facility would benefit those who are currently having to travel to other towns, such as Tavistock, to access quality training facilities.

From the college’s perspective, we have many talented young athletes who complete and train in other towns because Okehampton doesn’t have a sufficient athletics facilities.

‘Okehampton is a growing town and it seems that now is the right time to expand its sporting facilities.’

Okehampton Town Council has requested more information from the proposers before an official decision is made.