A new multi-use games area, where people can play sports ranging from tennis to five-a-side soccer, including basketball and netball, is expected to be completed by the end of April.

Craven District Council has won a £50,000 grant from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts and plans to sink in another £20,000 from its capital challenge pot to finance the project.

It involves developing an area which is at present occupied by two tennis courts near to Aireville pool in Aireville Park, Skipton.

The floodlit complex will have a rubberised surface and a recessed goal area.

A council spokesman said: "While having additional maintenance and electricity costs, it will enable the council to operate an all-year round facility and will generate additional income, which is estimated to at least break even."

"The plan will allow a multi-use area comprising two tennis courts, two basket ball courts, two netball courts and a five a side pitch. It will also have a ramp for disabled people."

The surface would be spike and impact resistant and the area surrounded by a welded mesh chain link fence, with two entrance gates. Equipment would be supplied, including goal posts, soccer nets, portable tennis posts and tennis nets and portable basketball posts, he added.

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