SPORTS clubs and community groups have thrown their support behind the million pound Big Lottery backed community asset transfer, which will help to enhance sport and recreation land in Newtown.

Open Newtown, the trading name for Going Green for a Living, hope the transfer of 130 acres of land from Powys County Council to Newtown Town Council, which will then lease it to a community land trust, will be completed this month.

Land in Vaynor, Trehafren, the Town Hall grounds and Newtown’s iconic Dolerw Park will all benefit from increased seating and litter provision, along with an investment in walking routes and work to improve biodiversity.

Among the other proposed developments are a new town centre play park, provision for canoes and kayaks along the River Severn, enhanced cycling provision and improving facilities for the town’s football clubs.

Stuart Owen of Open Newtown hopes the transfer of land will finally be complete this month.

Owen also looked to put the record straight after social media and other media outlets claimed that a planning application for a green access track was at risk due to complaints from nearby residents citing a “loss of public space, increased traffic and increased flood risk”, but plans had been amended and submitted some time ago, with no further concerns from local residents.

Powys County Council (PCC) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have both backed the proposed development to make paddle sports access safer.

PCC planning case officer Dunya Fourie said: “The proposed changes to the area are considered minimal and are likely to continue to support general recreational use of the field, while also opening up the river environment for recreation.

“The proposed scheme would enhance the recreational potential on these areas of open space and river and it would be unlikely to have an unacceptable adverse impact.

Meanwhile, Open Newtown have been talking to clubs and groups aiming to improve Newtown’s green spaces and sport and recreation provision.

Owen said: “We have received a lot of support from canoeists, paddle boarders and kayakers who regard the River Severn through Newtown as an ideal stretch for water sports enthusiasts, who will benefit from improved access and facilities.

“Hafren Cycling Club have been superb in championing the need for improved facilities in Newtown, to the Welsh Cycling Association, which recognises Newtown as ideally located and lacking in amenities.”

Meanwhile this week the town’s two amateur football clubs, Newtown Wanderers and Maesyrhandir, were joined by Newtown White Stars Junior Football Club in committing support to the erection of a changing rooms block adjacent to one of the football pitches in Trehafren or Vaynor.

Newtown Wanderers Football Club chairman Dafydd Evans said: “We are all keen on having these facilities and a plan is in place to form a group to manage these facilities for all amateur teams in Newtown.”