A DEAL has been signed to allow the playing field at Wootton Bassett Secondary School to be used by the community.

North Wiltshire District Council has secured an agreement with Group 4 Facility Management in which Group 4 will provide floodlights at the all-weather pitch in exchange for contributions totalling £49,235.

This sum includes £30,000 from the district council, with Wootton Bassett Town Council giving £10,000 and £9,235 from ASTRO 2000, a community group which began campaigning in 1998 for a new all-weather sports pitch for the town.

The all-weather pitch was completed shortly before Christmas but the floodlights open it up for evening use by local groups including hockey and football teams.

District council spokesman Paul Langcaster said: "The floodlights are almost ready for use.

"The all-weather pitch will be available for community use booking shortly, although priority will be given to clubs involved with ASTRO 2000.

"The intention is to have a celebration event in the spring, to which the public will be invited."