WORKS have begun for a new multi-use games area at the recreation ground in Otterbourne.

Following a year of consultation with equipment providers Kompan Ltd and their contractors TCL Group, part of the skateboard park at the green has been removed to make way for the new facilities.

A working party of parish councillors raised £46,061 needed to upgrade the site, part of which has been gifted to Colden Common Parish Council.

Parish clerk, Julie Ayre, said: “We were delighted to hear that Otterbourne were looking for a local parish to reuse their goal-end as ours is past its useful life and we are extremely grateful to The Veolia Environmental Trust for supporting the new scheme at Otterbourne which benefits both parishes.”