West Devon Borough Council is inviting residents to have their say on sports playing field facilities for hockey, rugby, football and cricket.

The consultation comes as the populations of Tavistock and Okehampton and other towns and villages have increased with new developments in recent years.

West Devon Borough Council, which manages a number of local sports pitches and grounds, wants to protect and improve the current stock of playing fields and to ensure new developments include areas for pitch sports. They also want to develop and maintain high-quality sustainable multi pitch sport sites wherever possible as well as ensuring playing pitch facilities contribute to improving the health and well-being of everyone in the community.

Cllr Tony Leech, West Devon Borough Council lead member for leisure, health and wellbeing, said: ’Getting active is a huge focus for us as we deliver our promise to improve wellbeing for all.

’Our plans have been shaped by sports professionals but now it’s time for the most important part of our planning - in-depth consultation with the people who use the facilities.

’We have spoken with clubs, local leagues, parish and town councils and colleges already. However, we also want to extend our consultation to all residents in the borough.

’We can only be sure we’re taking the right approach and making our sports pitches accessible and suitable for all if we have your feedback and views - so please do take a look at the plans and let us know if you have any comments.’’

The draft Playing Pitch strategy and action plan looks forward to the facilities required over the next 13 years, to 2034. The consultation opened on November 11 and will close on December 23.

Views and feedback will be used to help inform the final version that will be used going forward. The council is grateful to the many clubs, leagues and facility operators and managers who have contributed to the plan, including the many volunteers who run local pitch sport clubs and have given up their time to provide information and comment.  In addition, consultation with the secondary schools in West Devon has identified a number of aspirations and proposals to be incorporated into the stategy. Have your say at www.engagement.westdevon.gov.uk/pitch-perfect-for-west-devon or email [email protected] with your feedback.