Witney News - Green light for new football pitch funding

Green light for new football pitch funding

Work is set to start on a major upgrade of a Witney football pitch after cash backing was given the green light by councillors.

Cabinet members at West Oxfordshire District Council have recommended that £125,611 from the authority’s capital programme be dedicated to replacing the surface of the artificial pitch at Henry Box School.

The new state-of-the-art 3G surface will be used by youngsters from the school as well as individuals and football clubs such as Tower Hill, Witney Vikings, Witney Wanderers and Ducklington.

The pitch will be compliant with world football governing authority FIFA’s quality standard and will be complemented with improved floodlights.

The total cost is £344,000 with £212,000 already in place thanks to a grant from the Premier League and the Football Association’s Facilities Fund. The remainder will come from secured Section 106 funding.

If the funding is given the go-ahead by full Council, work is due to be completed by March.

Cllr Jeanette Baker, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health, said: “This will create a fantastic facility for footballers of all ages and abilities and will attract new players.

“It will play a major contribution to health and fitness both in the town and further afield.”

All decisions made by the Council’s Cabinet are subject to the usual 10-day call-in period.