A DECISION has been made to stall the building of a multi-use games area (MUGA) in Northleach.

A vote was taken at the full council meeting on Wednesday, March 25, to search for a new option instead of using either the King George V or the Westwoods playing fields.

Concerns were raised that the two locations were too far away for children to use, did not have the correct facilities, and may cause disruption to neighbouring houses.

Plans have been afoot since last year to build a hard standing ball sports area for the youth of Northleach.

A council working group - comprising Chair Peter Mills, Vicki Hewer, Pauline Rigby, Laurie Coulton, Brian Hulcup and Chris Hancock - compiled a detailed report to be discussed at the full council meeting on March 25.

According to a State of the Parish Report, which used figures from the 2011 census, there are more than 200 children aged between five and 14 in the town.

The MUGA will provide recreational space for them to play football, basketball and netball.

It could also be used for Northleach’s football teams who currently travel to Bourton-on-the-Water to train.

With floodlights, the MUGA could cost upto £150,000 to build.

Peter Mills, chair of the working group, said: “The Town Council has resolved to improve the recreation provision for young people in Northleach and a free to use kick about/ball sports area is a sensible option to consider.

“The difficulty is finding a suitable space in what is becoming an ever densely populated town.”

The council is hoping to secure all their funding externally.

The working group report states: “Meetings have taken place with the Leisure Services Department at Cotswold District Council who have confirmed their support and assistance.

“Discussions have taken place with Sport England and a brief meeting with the Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association. Both bodies have expressed support in principle. Sport England has been particularly supportive.”