DESIGNS for an innovative recreation ground have been submitted after the footballing community of Newbury criticised the lack of resources available.

A recent consultation conducted by Newbury Community Football Group (NCFG) has prompted campaigners to submit plans for four all-weather 3G pitches to transform the community-owned Faraday Road Football Ground.

An overwhelming level of dissatisfaction of Newbury’s football facilities from a range of community football clubs followed an extensive survey last year.

Members of NCFG hope the application will go some way towards addressing the dire need for facilities in the area.

Lee McDougall, spokesman for NCFG said: “This Planning Application is an exciting step towards providing enough football pitches for the community to use and will provide an excellent venue for children’s youth and senior football teams.

“We are determined to ensure there are enough quality facilities for our children and the wider community to use for the long term, to develop their sports skills and also to promote health and wellbeing in our community. Furthermore, this scheme will not involve the use of any public funds.

“NCFG passionately believes that football, our national sport, inspires young people and provides a focus for personal and physical development from early years into adulthood.”

More than 90 per cent of respondents felt that Newbury did not have adequate outdoor football facilities.

Since forming in 2016, NCFG have been responsible for helping Newbury FC to gain a two-year extension to their lease from West Berkshire Council and in November 2016, they successfully gained the status of an Asset of Community Value for the town centre football ground.

Nearly 200 responses were received from NCFG as part of the consultation and only nine per cent of people agreed that there is currently enough, well maintained grass pitches in Newbury.

A similar percentage felt that there was a lack of artificial pitches in the area.

The Football Association shared these concerns and identified a shortage of football pitches in the area in a recent report.