Ideas invited for new sports and play in Axminster

East Devon District Council and Axminster Town Council are inviting everyone in Axminster to send in their idea son how to spend £216,000 of Section 106 money.

The funds have been collected by the district council from housing developments in the parish, and the council has a policy of ensuring that residents and parish organisations should choose how the money is spent.

Ideas can include all types of outdoor sports, from an outdoor gym to works being carried out at a cricket or football pitch.

Proposals must be for: new outdoor sports facilities or improvements on existing ones, permanently sited sports facilities and equipment such as football goal posts or training areas and sports facilities or equipment that is open and accessible to the community.

Councillor Tom Wright, East Devon’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “Since 2008, we have allowed parish and town councils and the local community to decide how section 106 funding is spent on sport and play. We felt it was really important that local residents get what they want in exchange for new developments in their area.

“I would urge local people and organisations to come forward with any ideas they have for sports projects in Axminster, as your ideas really could make a difference.”

All ideas must be submitted to Axminster Town Council by 12noon on December 10, which can be sent to enquiries@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk or Axminster Town Council, The Guildhall, West Street, Axminster, EX13 5NX.

Ideas should be accompanied by the person’s name, contact details and information on the proposal.

Once the town council has received the proposals, they will work with the district council to make sure they are eligible, affordable and possible.

Residents will then be given a chance to look at all the ideas that can happen and vote on them. The ones that gain the most votes are where the money will be spent.