Improving and investing in the borough's sports pitches

The borough's 156 sports pitches are set to benefit from a boost in investment following the adoption of Kingston's first Playing Pitch Strategy, it has been announced

The approval of the Strategy means that the Council, along with local organisations and clubs, can now apply for funding from sporting and community bodies.

Councillor Andrea Craig, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Sport at Kingston Council, said:

"Our borough is set for significant growth in the coming years. It is vital that growth is not just about housing. We need to improve our infrastructure, and that includes much-needed open spaces, including playing fields for sports like cricket, football and hockey.

"We know through our 'All in One' borough survey, that residents and visitors alike treasure our green open spaces. Being able to unlock new sources of funding and apply for considerable sums of money through funding organisations like Sport England, the Big Lottery Fund and the Football Foundation could significantly improve our facilities.

"We have an absolute responsibility to promote healthy, active lifestyles. Putting in place clear plans on how we continue to develop our green spaces for sports is key to creating a happy, healthy borough."

The new Kingston Playing Pitch Strategy also feeds into planning guidelines, informing future use of current pitch sites and fields that are capable of accommodating pitches.

To find out more about sports provision within the borough and to view the strategy, visit www.kingston.gov.uk/sports.