Plans to upgrade 'tired and unused' sports area

Plans to upgrade a "tired and unused" sports area are to go before councillors.

The scheme for the multi-use games area at Silksworth Recreation Park, Sunderland, includes new goals, basketball hoops and a sports court with anti-slip paint.

The development is part of the Football Foundation's PlayZones Programme.

It aims to "tackle inequalities in physical activity" and to improve access to "high-quality facilities in targeted areas".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said a design and access statement submitted to council officials from Sports Labs Ltd, on behalf of the Labour-led council as applicant, said upgrades would provide an "exciting and enticing space" for the community.

The existing multi-use games area was described as "basic and simple in nature" and "tired and unused".

Proposed upgrades to the site would have wider local benefits including increased opportunities for sport and use during evenings and weekends, the statement added.

It was noted that "efforts have been made to ensure that any negative impacts of the proposed development are minimised as far as practicable" and floodlights would be switched off at 21:00.

Council planning officers have already recommended the scheme for approval, but a final decision will be made by councillors at a planning and highways committee meeting on 6 January.

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