AN outdoor games area, a disabled play park and an outdoor gym are on the cards for Halstead.

The ambitious plans were outlined at Halstead Town Council after councillors scrutinised the results of a town-wide survey carried out this summer.

They hope to bring a £130,000 multi-use games area (MUGA) with tennis courts, a five-a-side football pitch and basketball hoops to Courtaulds Sports Ground in Colchester Road.

Meanwhile, Ramsey Road was identified as suitable for a disabled play area, climbing frame and outdoor gym.

Councillor Mick Radley said: “We had a look at the current facilities in the town, all the parks, play areas etc, and we found that the Ramsey playing field was not up to the same level as everywhere else.

“On the basis of that we thought this should be the first place to make improvements. In terms of location, it serves quite a high proportion of the town, so it really could do with some additional facilities.

“These items we felt could be worked within the section 106 funding, but the most comments on the town survey were regarding a lack of tennis courts.

“That is why the MUGA is being looked at alongside the Ramsey development.

“But this is a much longer-term proposition, it is a much bigger facility which requires a lot more investment.”

Mr Radley added: “It is a very exciting project, it is a long-term project, but it is very exciting.

“Courtaulds is the most likely location for that, that is where we had tennis courts before.”

The Town Council has an open balance of £42,000 available from Section 106 funding, which is to be used for open spaces projects.

The Section 106 funding will be used to build the disabled play area and climbing frame.

The council plans to apply for a CIF Grant from Essex County Council for an outdoor gym, although the closing date to register an ‘expression of interest’ is next Friday.