WORK is set to begin on new PlayZones in Hexham and Prudhoe.

An investment of £300,000 into the development of PlayZones - often referred to as a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) - across the county has been formally welcomed by Northumberland County Council's cabinet.

The decision follows a consultation exercise with community organisations and residents.

The project, funded by Sport England via the Football Foundation, will now progress to the next stage, where work will begin on selected sites included in phase one of the project, including Hexham Priory School and Eastwoods Park, West Wylam.

The council funding will be met by an additional £900,000 from alternate sources, covering 75 per cent of the project’s cost. 

The council has said consultation for phase two will start shortly for other sites in Northumberland, including Haltwhistle.

County councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for healthy lives, said: "We are very happy to confirm funding for the PlayZones project. 

"Council staff have worked hard to make the consultation process as broad as possible, and the response we have seen from our communities has been fantastic. Their contributions have been vital in shaping the facilities to fit the needs of their communities. 

"I am particularly proud of the work this project is doing to address the needs of our priority groups. Access to sports and wellbeing facilities is a crucial factor in improving the health outcomes for our residents. The opportunities they offer for safe inclusive physical activity are endless."