WORKS are underway on a £250,000 new sports pitch in Basildon, as families welcome the "much-needed" investment.

Basildon Borough Council is spending the money on the new pitch for football and other sports at Whitmore Park.

The project will see the replacement of the "run-down" tennis courts at the park, which is off Whitmore Way. The project will include new floodlighting, new "secure" gates and the council is also introducing a new online booking system for the pitch area. Families say "it's about time" this part of the park was revamped.

Pat Cox, 66, said: "I think it will help tidy up the park a bit, and we all know how much that's needed. I think it's good to see the council investing in play and sports areas like this. It's a lot of money so hopefully it'll make a big difference."

The council has received a £182,586 grant from the Football Foundation to create this "state-of-the-art facility. It's part of the Football Foundation's playzone programme, which is about tackling inequalities in physical activity and access to high quality facilities in targeted areas.

Fred Baxter, 67, said: "I think it should be quite well used, and it's good to see more investment for sports areas which help improve health and fitness. I'd like to see the council do more things like this."

George Jeffery, councillor for environment and leisure said: "It's great to see work now underway." He added: "The focus now is making sure this project is delivered so the community can use and enjoy it."