PROPOSALS aimed at improving membership and playing conditions at Okehampton Squash Club last week received a boost, following a meeting in the town.

The club, which is based at Okehampton College, applied to Okehampton Town Council for a grant towards a £15,000 project to improve its heating and insulation provision.

Chris Law, on behalf of the club, told the council: 'Unfortunately the club is very cold and we would like to put in better systems to make it more economic and a friendlier environment in which people of all ages and abilities can enjoy this activity.

'We aim to install halogen heaters — they have been recommended as a way to heat up the courts which are very cold, and minimise condensation, which occurs when a few people have played.'

Chris said there was no economical way to heat the building continuously, but 'a quick blast' of halogen appeared to be the best way forward, as it could be linked to usage.

'We also aim to clad the whole building externally — this would greatly improve insulation and thereby heat retention,' said Chris.

The town council's policy and resources committee heard that the club had developed well in the past few years, with more junior players joining.

The adult teams were progressing well in the Devon leagues and the club was also developing a new sport — racketball.

Cllr Adrian Raymond suggested that as it was the end of the financial year, the squash club should be given the remaining funds in the grant budget.

He said: 'It's a big project, they need some support and they will get match funding. They've been around for years and years, doing an amazing job on nothing.

'This is the last meeting of the year, I vote we give them what's left.'

Cllr Kay Bickley seconded the motion.

The committee agreed the squash club should be given a grant of £2,796.