Residents are being encouraged to have their say on the proposed building of a new 3G sports pitch at a local school. 

Wokingham Borough Council are hosting two “drop-in sessions” later this month regarding the potential development at Maiden Erlegh School in Earley, where attendees will be able to view the plans and visuals. 

The sessions will take place at the school, located on Silverdale Road, between 6pm and 7:30pm on Tuesday ,September 20, and Wednesday, September 21, with residents encouraged to complete an online consultation survey before the October 3 deadline. 

The executive member for environment, sport and leisure, Cllr Ian Shenton, said there is a shortage of sports pitches in the borough and the council wants to provide “high quality” solutions to “meet the demand”. 

READ MORE: Number of people arrested for 'running brothels' in Thames Valley revealed

There are more than 524 football teams in Wokingham. Due to the high numbers, the council says there are “capacity issues” meaning that local football teams are having to travel outside of the borough for training. 

In July, proposals to deliver the new Leisure Strategy were approved, which included the development of a new 3G sports pitch, subject to planning, Football Foundation funding and public consultation. If successful, Cllr Shenton said work could start during next year’s school summer holiday.  

“This would be terrific news for local football teams and will help our climate change initiatives by encouraging local players to find alternative means of travel such as walking and cycling to get to training.  

READ MORE: Liquid Leisure death: Father's plea after Kyra Hill’s funeral

“It would also reduce the need for local football teams to travel outside the borough for weekly training,” he added. 

Maiden Erlegh School was chosen as the most suitable location for the new 3G pitch following a “technical appraisal” based on the existing facilities including pitch, changing rooms, toilets, sufficient parking spaces and access to the site. 

The council notes that the school could also make use of the 3G sports pitch during the school day for multi-sport activities including touch rugby, cricket and more. 

This “tried and tested model” has been adopted by the council at several other schools in the borough including Farley Hill Primary School and The Emmbrook School.  

READ MORE: Alok Sharma reacts to Liz Truss becoming new Prime Minister

The site is also approved by the Football Foundation and the council would seek funding from them for the new 3G sports pitch.   

“Your opinion matters to us, so make sure you submit your views on our Engage Wokingham website before October 3. Help us carry on enriching lives by providing access to good leisure facilities for generations to come,” Cllr Shelton said.