A £27,750 scheme to improve the football pitches at Walcot Recreation Ground has been approved by the council.

But it is dependent on a £15,750 grant being provided by Sport England from the National Lottery.

The cash will be used to improve drainage.

Council officer Martin Hambridge told Wednesday night's Cabinet meeting: "The ground conditions at the site consist of a poorly drained, heavy clay and therefore the provision of the drainage work will make a significant improvement on the overall standard of the playing surface .

"It will also enable more football to be played throughout the winter months."

Sport England will announce whether the grant application has been successful within the next six months.

If the cash is granted work will start in May at the end of the current football season.