A council has allocated over £1million developers funding for a new third generation football pitch.

It will be at West Witney Sports Ground "to ensure grassroots football continues to grow", West Oxfordshire District Council said.  

In 2022 all political parties agreed to work together on solutions after coaches from Witney Vikings Youth Football Club and Tower Hill Football Club complained about lack of pitches.

Nine football teams - including six girls' teams - were not able to use The Leys as it was too hard to be safe.

Around 50 people attended a public meeting along with town and district councillors to discuss provision for football, cricket and tennis clubs.

It emerged that a play pitches strategy had last been done in 2014 and the recommendations were ignored with delays in allocating land for pitches.

As a result West Oxfordshire District Council and the town council agreed to work on a new Playing Pitch Strategy, including options for additional pitches in Witney.

At a meeting in Chipping Norton on Wednesday (September 11) West Oxfordshire District Council's executive members voted to allocate the funding which will come from section 106 money from housing developments near the sports ground.

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Section 106 funds are from developers given to the council for providing community and social infrastructure. 

Two new pitches have been created as part of the Windrush Place and Colwell Green development in West Witney.

The pitch funding will be transferred to Witney Town Council, who will oversee the design, planning and build of the facility and long-term operation and maintenance of the pitch.  

Executive member for leisure and major projects Tim Sumner said: “This is an exciting new development for the existing sports facility in the town.

"It will provide a much-needed all year-round pitch provision for the local clubs and the community to enjoy and benefit from.  

“A state-of-the-art 3G pitch will allow more playing time than a traditional pitch due to the materials used.

"The facility could also see sports lighting installed, which means longer day to day usage along with all year-round matches.  

“With a grant of over £1million, this facility will allow everyone, regardless of ability or age to enjoy playing football on a new all-weather pitch.

"By supporting the council’s Playing Pitch Strategy, this investment ensures future access to more sports facilities for our communities. It also promotes health and well-being, encouraging people to adopt a healthier way of life.”  

Ruth Smith, leader of Witney Town Council said was "great news" that the 3G pitch location has been approved.

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She said: "There are several projects up at West Witney Sports Ground that need to co-ordinate with each other very carefully for the good of football, cricket, running, the clubhouse and the Town Council works team.

"I look forward to them taking shape.”   

Final funding for the work now needs to be found for the installation to begin. The total cost for the development is estimated to be £1.2million for a full sized adult 11v11 3G pitch with sports lighting.   

The council said it is working to secure the remaining amount through other grants.