WORK to install a multi-purpose sports pitch in Bethesda is underway.

Following a campaign, Councillor Rheinallt Puw, along with members of Ogwen Ward and the local community, say they are "delighted" that investment is taking place on the pitch at Plas Ffrancon, Bethesda.

Detailed planning and drainage works to improve the land is part of the process and it is hoped that the sports field will be ready for the community to access by early March.

Cllr Puw said: "I am delighted that the investment in the sports pitch at Plas Ffrancon has begun,"

“This was one of my first campaigns I worked on when I was elected as a councillor almost three years ago, and despite the financial strain we have faced in recent years, we have been able to secure the investment, thanks to Plaid Cymru’s Gwynedd Council cabinet.

“The field has been unused for a number of years, because the surface quality had deteriorated and the drainage works needed improving. The surface was not safe for people to use.

“Local people have been travelling to locations such as Bangor, to use sports pitch facilities for football and hockey games. Upgrading the pitch at Plas Ffrancon will mean that sports clubs for children, young people and adults will be able to hire the pitch for their own use, right here on their doorstep.

“It's especially good news for us locally. Providing leisure, team sports and a venue for people to keep fit and healthy is extremely important. Reducing the need to travel to other locations to access sports resources is also good news for the environment. We are really looking forward to seeing the sports pitch open to the public.”

The pitch will be available for use by Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen school pupils during the day and then to the wider community and sports clubs to hire in the evenings and at weekends. It will be suitable for football and hockey games and can be used by other sports as a training pitch, such as rugby, for fitness and skills sessions.

Gwynedd Council cabinet member with responsibility for the economy and community, Councillor Gareth Thomas, said: “Ensuring quality venues for communities to use to get moving and keep fit and healthy is very important to us. In these challenging financial times, it is important we invest in community sports facilities and we are proud of the work being undertaken to upgrade the facility in Bethesda.”