PLANS to build a new sports pavilion on a playing field in Belton are continuing to gather pace with an application submitted for funding from the Football Foundation for the scheme.

PLANS to build a new sports pavilion on a playing field in Belton are continuing to gather pace with an application submitted for funding from the Football Foundation for the scheme.

The parish council has submitted bids for a total of 80pc of the £460,000 cost of the scheme to the foundation, a sports charity, and the recycling organisation WREN.

If approved in December, the council could have £300,000 for the project which would result in the creation of a new pavilion on New Road playing field.

The facility could be up and running by late 2009, providing changing rooms for Bohemians Youth FC in time for the start of the 2009 season.

Parish clerk Stephen Williamson was hopeful the adult Belton FC would also play their home games on the playing field and said there was also a possibility Belton Cricket Club could play there, but this was dependent on the council securing extra land for the pitch.

He said it would be 2010 “at the earliest” before the cricketers would be able to move from their current venue at Gorleston Common back to the village, where they have not played for two seasons.

Mr Williamson added although the youth football team would be using the centre at the weekends, the aim was to attract organisations to use it during the week and there was a community room available for functions and use by village groups. A conference centre and training room will provide space for businesses on Gapton Hall and Harfreys industrial estates in Yarmouth.

Other facilities include showers, toilets, a small kitchen and rooms for matchday officials.

As well as grants from the sports and recycling bodies, Yarmouth borough council is also contributing around £16,000 to the scheme while a number of fundraising events will be held during the new year to raise additional funds.