Girvan's Victory Park has been identified as the most popular location for a new all-weather pitch, with ground survey work to begin on the site shortly.

Proposals for the new pitch were approved by South Ayrshire councillors following an extensive consultation process, which saw nearly 46% of respondents opt for Victory Park as a preferred location.

The pitch was originally planned to be built at the top of the park, but due to strong local opposition a compromise was made to construct the development in the west of the park closer to the Rose Gardens. A nearby playpark will also be relocated as part of the work.

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It will be completed with a £850,000 budget outlined in the Capital Investment Programme last year.

Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture, said: "We received a strong response to the consultation with the range of opinions voiced helping to mould the shape of the current proposals and my thanks to everyone who took part.

"The new pitch will significantly enhance the sports and leisure facilities available to the people of Girvan and will make a real difference for local people. There's a clear appetite for a facility that can be used all year round for a variety of activities and our proposals will make that a reality. I look forward to seeing the project progress in the months ahead.

"Importantly, people will still be able to comment on proposals in the planning stage with a further public consultation forming a key part of the process required to deliver a modern facility for Girvan and South Carrick."

Any final project would be subject to the results of a ground work survey as well as planning permission being granted and the outcome of a petition to the Sheriff Court as the proposals involve Common Good land.

(CM/JG)