CONSTRUCTION work to extend a Basingstoke car park at a local sports complex has begun this week.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has agreed to put up £175,000 to provide an additional 47 car parking spaces at Down Grange Sports Complex, off Pack Lane.

During the construction work, the access to the main car park by the athletics track will be improved and the car park will be extended and resurfaced.

In addition, the road leading to Maidenwell Pavilion will be widened and extra parking will be provided nearby. Construction work is expected to be completed by the end of January.

Councillor Cathy Osselton, borough Cabinet member for partnerships, said: “Down Grange is a very popular facility used for high-level competitive sport, events and recreational purposes.

“At peak times, we have a large number of people using the complex and these improvements aim to help address this, while supporting our aims to increase participation in sport and exercise.”