PLANS to transform a playing field have been given the go-ahead.

On Monday night (November 19) representatives from the Horton Playing Field Project attended Horton Parish Council in a bid to get approval for their ambitious plans to improve the field.

Horton Playing Field, owned by the parish council, currently has no seating, very few play items, and two wonky goal posts.

With the help of fundraising and grant money, the group plan to turn the field into a heaven of activity for people of all ages.

Skarryn Coombes, of the group members, said: "To get the grants we have to come up with something different. "We want to embrace everyone to feel part of it, a big thing is to encourage nature back, like birds and bees.

"We have spent 12 months consulting, including people who live near, and visiting other parks.

"The community support is incredible and inspiring."

The plans for the playing field include areas for nursery children, older school children, a ball sports area, a wheel sports area and a sensory walk.

The aim is for the playing field to include something for everyone in an enclosed, secure space.

Chard & Ilminster News:

PROJECT: The map of plans for Horton Playing Field 

The councillors were positive about the plans and happily agreed.

Cllr David Johnson said: "I am struggling to find something to have a niggle about."

Cllr Ann Winter said it was good to see activities that children of all ages would be attracted to.

The project leaders explained how the improvements could be delivered over time, which would prevent the equipment becoming out-dated all at once, and fundraising could be focused on specific parts of the plan.

The first step would be the installation of a nest swing.

Chairman of the project, Ray Buckler, said: "The endorsement of the parish council means a lot, as owners of the land we needed to ensure they were comfortable with the results of the Horton Playing Field Projects research, canvassing of the villagers and conclusions reached.

"The Horton Playing Field Project Team start this new phase knowing that we speak with one voice and have the backing of the Parish Council, which gives even more enthusiasm to get on with the project and make it happen. We already have the grants and donations to implement the first part of the plan – as chairman, I am excited that the residents and donors will see the transformation begin to take shape soon."