GOVERNMENT funding will help make improvements to playing fields in Winklebury.

New trees, benches and paths could all be included as part the £27,500 funding which has been made available to create new space at Winklebury Playing Fields.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is proposing to create a new space to visit on Winklebury Playing Fields and is asking residents to give their views on what could be included.

The new space supports ideas raised through the Winklebury Community Plan and will complement the existing playing field area and broaden the use of it to a wider number of local people.

People are being asked to give their views on what should be included from seating, to litter bins, to planting and footpaths.

A consultation is now on for people in the area to give their opinions on how the funding should be spent and how the area should look.

This will form part of the wider Winklebury regeneration plans.

Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment Cllr Mark Ruffell said: “We are delighted to be able to put this money towards creating a new space for people to enjoy on Winklebury Playing Fields.

“The Winklebury Community Plan – produced by the Winklebury Community Action Group working with the council – has highlighted a need to improve and increase open spaces and play areas and this is an important step to achieving this.

“People now have the opportunity to help feed in their views on how this will look by going online and filling in the survey.”

The consultation will last until November 3.

For more information or to view sketches of the proposed area visit basingstoke.gov.uk/winklebury-consultation.