IMPROVEMENTS to the St John s Road recreation ground in Ely will start next month, the city council has revealed. This follows a detailed inspection of the site by cllr Derek Crawley, chairman of the City of Ely Council s recreation team, and former chair

IMPROVEMENTS to the St John's Road recreation ground in Ely will start next month, the city council has revealed.

This follows a detailed inspection of the site by cllr Derek Crawley, chairman of the City of Ely Council's recreation team, and former chairman cllr Richard Hobbs.

"We wanted to be absolutely sure that we could retain the existing football pitch alongside a new multi-ball park and skate park while incorporating safety measures advised by RoSPA, Royal Society For The Prevention of Accidents," said cllr Crawley.

"Following our inspection, we're happy to confirm that everything can be accommodated without any significant change to the size of the pitch, although it will have to be moved slightly further away from the road. The present goalposts will be retained.

"So there is now no reason why work cannot start on the new facilities. Our contractors hope to be on site by the middle of February and they expect everything to be finished by the end of March."

It is hoped soil dug out during the work can be used to even out the major undulations in the football pitch and that the contractors will be able to roll the surface.

The Ely Youth Council has welcomed the move and has proposed an opening ceremony for the ball park and skate park. One member, who lives nearby, will advise the recreation team on the football pitch and other matters.

The city council has also invited St John's Primary School and the Friends of St John's Road Playing Field Association to help plan the positioning of new seating around the area.

Ely mayor, cllr Bryant Watson, said: "The council has spent an enormous amount of time on this project to ensure that we produce the best possible recreation area to meet the needs of as many local people as possible.