ONE of the region’s leading coaches has welcomed news of investment in a 3G pitch in Llanidloes.

Plans to lay a 3G pitch facility in Llanidloes was announced last week – leading to much delight among local sports clubs.

Powys County Council said that the 3G pitch project has been made possible with support from Freedom Leisure and Njord Wind Developments, the developers of the Bryn Blaen Wind Farm.

Berriew Football Club assistant manager and junior coach Paul Inns hoped the development would not be the last in Powys and called for a similar facility to be installed in Welshpool.

The region has long been bereft of state of the art all weather facilities.

Powys currently has one 3G pitch at Latham Park, home of Newtown Football Club, and an all weather surface at the town’s Maldwyn Leisure Centre.

However other towns in the area have long championed the need for similar facilities to be built across the region.

Many have cited the growing need to ensure young football players can continue to train and play all year round and enjoy parity of provision with other regions in Wales

Last month a revamp of Welshpool Leisure Centre’s all weather facility following months of drainage works and years of calls for investment were finally completed and will welcome back sports clubs when Welsh Government regulations permit.

However Inns hoped the completed works at the Flash Leisure Centre would not represent the end of Welshpool’s hopes to have a 3G pitch installed in the town.

Inns said: “It’s excellent news for Llanidloes.

“It’s difficult to gauge the extent to which Welshpool’s calls for a similar facility in the town will be affected, especially bearing in mind the fact that the Flash Leisure Centre astroturf has now been repaired.”

However Inns hoped money could be found and ensure similar facilities could be built

Inns said: “Bearing in mind the need for additional sporting facilities and the undoubted health benefits of sport – physical and mental – I hope that additional funds can be found to provide similar facilities for the Welshpool area.”