Town in the zone for new football facilities

SALTBURN has been added to a list of locations set to host new football-based 'PlayZone' facilities.

- By STUART ARNOLD

Redcar and Cleveland Council has applied for change of use planning permission to fence off a field off Hob Hill Lane in the town and add floodlights. A design and access statement drawn up by Livingstone-based Sports Labs on behalf of the local authority said an area of natural grass described as “tired and unused” would be upgraded to a synthetic 3G playing surface surrounded by perimeter fencing and floodlighting.

The PlayZone programme was created by the Football Foundation and is aimed at tackling inequalities in physical activity by funding the creation of new or refurbished outdoor mini pitches designed for football and other activities.

Last year the council's cabinet agreed to plans to create PlayZones in Eston, Grangetown, Guisborough, Marske, Dormanstown and Redcar, with Saltburn also considered a potential option.