COUNCILLORS have supported ongoing plans to provide a sporting legacy for Wellington by creating more sports pitches for the town.

Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) has been developing a playing pitch strategy for well over a year after it was realised Wellington did not have enough facilities and that space was lacking for sport to be developed.

Regular meetings have taken place between representatives of TDBC, Wellington Sports Federation, Wellington Town Council, Wellington Football Club, Wellington Cricket Club and Wellington Rugby Club.

The preferred option for the future is for the football club to move from its present headquarters at Wellington Playing Fields in North Street, where it has been since 1954, onto a new site with more pitches and facilities. This would then free up pitch space for other sports – such as cricket and rugby – at the playing fields.

Stuart Todd Associates is taking on project management with funding from the borough council, town council and the football, cricket and rugby clubs.

The first phase of the playing pitch strategy has been completed and although nothing has been agreed it seems the preferred site for the project would be on land east of Monument Road with other possible locations identified as being close to Court Fields School and another on land south of Hilly Head and west of Foxdown Hill.

Stuart Todd told members of Wellington Town Council on Monday that the idea has to look to the future and the enhancement of the football club and possible promotion. “We have to assume positively that the football club progresses up the Football Association pyramid,” he said.

A steering group has initially decided against the installation of an artificial pitch – known as a 3G pitch – because of the large financial implications with it costing at least £25,000 a year just to maintain. “A 3G pitch might not be viable at the moment but it is something to keep in the back pocket,” said Mr Todd.

The overall project to create a new sports hub on the outskirts of the town will cost at least £1 million and moves will be made to obtain funding from agencies such as the National Lottery, Football Foundation, Sport England the Football Association.

“When it comes to pinning the tail on the donkey I am sure these organisations will look to come forward and discuss further,” said Mr Todd.

Councillors have agreed to spend £9,000 on the second part of the feasibility study which could involve discussions with interested landowners, initial talks on a planning application with TDBC and more detailed work on plans.

Cllr Andrew Govier said: “This is a big project but something the town deserves. I don’t think the 3G pitch is viable outside of the town centre as it would have to be used all day and night to fund it. I would like to see us move onto the next stage. This is an ambitious project but an ambition we should support.”

The Mayor, Cllr Gary James, added: “We have a golden opportunity to help sport and facilities in the town – a town which is expanding.”

The possible plans include one main floodlit grass football pitch for the first team, a clubhouse bar and function room within a stadium building, additional changing facilities and up to four other pitches.