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PITCHING IN! Consultations to be launched on new sports facilities By Jack Johnson
Building work starts on special school
See page 11
jack@taylornewspapers.co.uk ja
DI DIDCOT’S residents are set to be consulted on a new sport and recreational facility that an could boost the town’s rugby co and cricket teams. an T The consultation will be with regard to a proposed acquisire tion of 25 acres of land at Hall Farm, Hadden Hill, for sporting and leisure facilities. Town council leader Margaret Davies says a desired date for a consultation will be in February, adding that the area would not just be for rugby and cricket pitches but also for other leisure facilities. “We have spoken over the past few years to Didcot Rugby Club and to Didcot Cricket Club, both of whom are quite desperate for a home ground and club house,” Cllr Davies said. “Cricket and rugby use the same piece of land at different times of year and always work well together so we can get more use out of the same pitch but it is not exclusively for them. “For instance there are many people who play hockey in Didcot and they have to go to Wallingford. “We can hope hopefully put some
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allotments up as well.” Paul Costello, chairman of Didcot Cricket Club and secretary of the town’s Rugby club, welcomed the news. He said: “Both clubs have been looking for a permanent home for some years now in order to continue their development and grow. “A permanent home would be something that would be very much welcomed.” The rugby club currently hire a pitch at Edmonds Park while the junior team plays at The Triangle. Meanwhile, the cricket club use a pitch in the grounds of the power station, but also hire out a facility in Crowmarsh. Mr Costello added: “The clubs will continue to talk to any parties that will potentially help them develop in the future.” A Sport and Leisure study by South Oxfordshire District Council has identified a shortfall in sport and leisure provision in Didcot. Cllr Davies said: “This will contribute a lot in improving that. “It is really good news that we have at long last found a land owner who has been having talks with us and we think we are nearly there now.” After the consultation, the town council will look to complete their negotiations with the landowner and seek planning permission from SODC.
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