A LONG-awaited £3-million sports centre for Okehampton took a major step forward this week with the agreement in principle of lottery funding, revealed as the Times went to press.
The application by West Devon Council now enters its second development stage to approve final details of the scheme. Consisting of a 25-metre swimming pool, sports hall, fitness centre, dance studio and refreshment area, the sports centre will be in Simmons Park.
The news that the £2.3-million bid had been agreed in principle was greeted with enthusiasm from the community who were devastated when the bid failed first time round in 1999.
Chairman of the borough council's strategic development committee Nick Morgan said it was tremendous news and an enormous step forward. 'The current facilities in Okehampton are very poor and we can now anticipate a sports centre that any town anywhere can be proud of,' he said.
More details next week.