Further development of South Ayrshire Council’s provision of school physical education and sports facilities is set to get under way following the approval of awards of more than £600,000 through the New Opportunities Fund for PE and Sport (NOPES).

A further contribution of nearly £300,000 is also hoped for towards an additional project which is likely to be enhanced through PPP funding.

The Council’s Policy and Resources Committee has been provided with details of submissions made to NOPES, initially in May 2002 and subsequently revised in August last year.

A total of £602,145 has been made available towards the establishing of a full size synthetic pitch at Carrick Academy; the creation of a multi-use games area at Newton Primary School and an extension at the Dolphin House.

The Committee has been told that a further award of £293,500 is being hoped for from NOPES which, if approved, will be “ring-fenced” to complement plans for a synthetic pitch to be created at Prestwick Academy.

Explained Councillor Andy Hill, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, and Convener of the Policy and Resources Committee: “By linking any additional NOPES award with the PPP programme, Prestwick Academy could benefit by having a the size of the pitch increased from an initially projected 60 x 40 m size to a ‘full size’ 100 x 66 m. I do think it is important that a full size pitch is included in the plans for the school.”

Councillor Hill added: “I am delighted that the projects have met with appropriate funding from NOPES, allowing the Council to further enhance the sports facilities that our schools already have.”


May 2005