FUNDING for improvements at a Basildon area community and sports hub will be considered by councillors next week.

Members of Basildon Council's Leisure and Environment Committee will meet on Thursday 24 June to discuss the funding of £88,400 to support facility improvements to increase sport and physical activity at Hannakins Farm Community Centre in Billericay.

Chairman of the Leisure and Environment Committee Cllr Craig Rimmer said: "Hannakins Farm Community Centre is a hub for outdoor sports and activity including football, cricket and many other sports.

"As these facilities begin to reopen following the lifting of restrictions we must help them by funding improvements so they can go on to continue to provide vital settings that boost take up of sports and physical activity.

"This investment could bring back into use previously derelict and unused areas and meet the demand of local residents."

The improvements would include converting derelict tennis courts into a 5-a-side football cage with a synthetic turf pitch for young people.

It would also enable investment into floodlighting, replacement of electric shutters to improve security of the facility and changing rooms lighting.