THE creation of a multi-use games area will be a whole different ball game in a small Tynedale village.

The dilapidated tennis courts in Acomb will be renovated and extended to accommodate a range of sporting activities as villagers are in the process of securing funding for a MUGA.

The project has been spearheaded by Acomb Parish Council and local group Action4Acomb, with the support of Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.

The MUGA, providing a surface for tennis, five-a-side football, basketball and netball, is in response to a request from the village for better sporting facilities.

Acomb parish councillor Lorna Farr, the secretary of Action4Acomb, said: “This facility will be used by people across the age spectrum. We have a community-led plan in place and one of the key things that came out of that is people wanted activities in the village and improved facilities.

“The tennis courts are looking a bit dilapidated and we need to do something with this area, and it will go alongside some of the improvements made to the play area recently.”

Funders of the project are currently looking into the possibility of installing floodlights in the area to extend usage through the winter months.

Northumberland County Councillor for Hexham Central with Acomb, Trevor Cessford, was supportive of the project. He said: “The tennis courts need a lot of work done to them and having this as an option available for all ages is a great idea.”

The project team has secured a grant to run sessions, including a range of activities encouraging people to get back into sport.