SPORTS facilities are set to improve in Forest Green as plans for new fitness equipment at Miles Marling Field are unveiled.

Members of the Forest Green Residents’ Association (FGRA) are unhappy however, and are calling for a consultation on sporting facilities in their area.

Nailsworth Town Council has won a grant from Gloucestershire County Council to improve general health and fitness in the area and the equipment has now been ordered.

Town clerk Linda Meletiou said: “Quotes are coming in and there will then be a full consultation to find out what people would ideally like to see on the area.”

This comes after a working party decided to go ahead with plans for a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) within the primary school grounds. This will use £85,000 given by developer Redrow to compensate residents for the loss of open space when houses were built on the site of the old Forest Green Rovers stadium 10 years ago.

FGRA members had proposed that the money be used for their own scheme to develop Miles Marling Field as a community park with open access to facilities such as goals, basketball hoops, a shelter and picnic tables, and outdoor gym equipment.

The FGRA has now delivered a leaflet to every resident and is holding three open events at the Arkell Centre in Forest Green to give residents the chance to find out more. These will take place tomorrow, Thursday, from 3pm to 5pm, Friday from 6pm to 8pm and on Saturday from 10am to noon.

Sally Millett, FGRA secretary, said: “Our teenagers need a space to kick a ball about, not this. We are suggesting a community park, open to everyone.”

Debbie Powell, FGRA chairman, added: “The town council’s plan is for a MUGA at the school which will be bookable, lockable and will cost. The £85,000 was given for a community facility, and we don’t feel the MUGA benefits the residents. We want a proper consultation.”

Ms Meletiou said: “The money was given towards the creation of a MUGA, and FGRA representatives were invited to the working party that was set up. We did look at the Miles Marling Site but the whole point of the MUGA was that it would provide for sporting activity with parking and changing rooms, and the school can offer both of those.

“When you’re spending £85,000 you have to be sure it’s spent sensibly. Money from hiring the MUGA will be needed to cover maintenance, and the working party felt the school site was the only option.

“The facility will be available to the community outside of school hours, and there will be free sessions for residents.”