More sporting facilities needed in North Monmouthshire

Rural areas and the north of Monmouthshire shouldn’t be overlooked when providing play areas and activities, councillors have said. 

Monmouthshire County Council has produced an action plan and assessment of playgrounds, parks and public areas known as a “play sufficiency assessment” to give an overview of opportunities to play outdoors. 

The council also has £182,619 available this financial year, from a £5 million funding pot agreed between the Welsh Government and local authorities, to improve the quality of play spaces, refurbish playgrounds and support the creation of accessible play spaces and opportunities for children. 

How the funding is spent in Monmouthshire is due to be determined by the council’s Labour-led cabinet while members of the people scrutiny committee discussed the play report at their June meeting. 

Llanelly Hill independent Simon Howarth said more sporting facilities are needed in the north of the county such as a “three G, four G or whatever five G pitch”. 

He said: “In the winter a lot of children can’t do sport and do not have the facilities up here. 

“It’s virtually impossible in this part of the county. Hockey, football, rugby you name any sport in the winter, in rural locations, it becomes virtually impossible.” 

Cllr Howarth said he was also concerned some children prefer to “go up to their bedroom and go on the telephone or computer” but said that is expensive and not all are able to afford such items. 

Conservative councillor for Goytre, Jan Butler, asked if the council’s play service could run some play sessions in its park, which has been revamped with funding from the community council. 

Cllr Butler said when the park was upgraded, using money as a result of a housing development, the local council had also been mindful to include older children which she called in the “awkward” ages of 10 through to 12. 

She said: “A survey was done and it showed we were missing out on the 10-12 age group, the equipment we’ve got in now is suitable and they’ve come back in.” 

Play manager Becky Hall said holiday activity days are dependent on funding, with staffing a significant cost, but said she could contact the council in Goytre for further discussion. 

It was also noted the quality of play areas are about more than equipment and could also include access to nature and open space with accessibility also an important factor.