Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has approved a feasibility study to look into building a new multi-use games area (MUGA) at a playing fields area in Biddulph Moor.

The plans relate to Hot Lane playing fields and the study was approved at a meeting of the council's Cabinet today.

Biddulph Nub News reported previously how the council was considering building the MUGA.

If it is given the go ahead, fencing from Brough Park in Leek would be repurposed to build the games area, which could then be used for a range of sports.

The project is expected to cost around £6,500.

The agenda stated: "Hot Lane playing fields is located in Biddulph Moor and contains a fully refurbished play area, a senior football pitch (grass) and a small area of hardstanding with one basketball hoop. Recently a breeze block wall which was located at the far end of the site and used to play football against was deemed unsafe following an inspection and removed.

"There is an opportunity to reuse the multi-use games area fencing recently removed from Brough Park in Leek. The fencing was removed due to a new system being installed earlier this year, as part of a wider improvement project, and therefore the opportunity to reuse this at Hot Lane would not only reduce costs, but it would repurpose a fencing system which is in very good condition and avoid it being disposed of.

"This project proposes to develop a multi-use games area in this part of the site which would consist of a tarmac base to be installed on the existing grassed area with sports rebound fencing installed to make up an enclosed court that could be used for a range of sports. It is also proposed to construct a new pathway linking the entrance of the site to the MUGA. As there is considerable earthworks involved, it is recommended that a feasibility study is commissioned to provide a more clear understanding of the ground conditions and an estimated cost to complete the works.

"Hot Lane is identified in the Staffordshire Moorlands Local Football Facilities Plan and, as such, is likely to receive funding support from Football Foundation should a project be feasible. Initial conversations with the Football Foundation have been positive and they have recommended that a full feasibility study is undertaken at the expected cost of circa £6,500.

"It is proposed that the Council funds this feasibility study and that a further report will update on the outcome of the study and outline the key actions and costs associated to completing this project.

It added: "In order to assess the viability of developing this project further, a feasibility study is required which would include various site surveys that would enable an accurate cost to complete the project to be identified.

"A recent enquiry to a reputable company has provide a cost of this study at around £6,500. It is recommended that revenue funds will be allocated to commission this study. Once this has been completed an updated report will be brought forward with a request to allocate capital funds from the Rural Sports Villages Fund."

Cllr Mark Deaville said: "I am passionate about sport in the Moorlands and it should be inclusive - you don't need to be Cristiano Ronaldo to enjoy sport, and our strategy encourages sports for all."

And Cllr Joe Porter added: "A healthy body and mind are vital, and we've seen that especially in the pandemic. I was terrible at football and rugby, but I got into swimming and climbing, which just shows that everyone has something they can get into."

Councillors then voted unanimously to approved the Rural Sports Villages strategy, meaning the study will now go ahead.