A NEW community sports pavilion and two new football pitches were officially opened for Bridgwater people to enjoy yesterday (Monday).

The eagerly-anticipated facilities, which include changing rooms, car parking, social areas and two senior football pitches, are located alongside the new Willowdown Primary Academy in Kingsdown, north-east Bridgwater.

Two junior pitches have also been laid out and will be playable after seeding has established.

The community pavilion and pitches have been funded by Hallam Land Management Limited and EDF Energy.

Teresa Harvey, project manager, said: “The new facilities are a great boost to the local Kingsdown area and its residents but also to the whole community across Bridgwater.

“I look forward to seeing the pavilion and pitches being well used for many years to come.”

Residents and community groups are now able to book meetings and social activities in the pavilion as well as hire the pitches and changing rooms for sporting events.

David Eccles, of EDF Energy, said: “We’re proud to have contributed to these cracking new sports facilities. I had the privilege of playing in the first Bridgwater Sports FC game of the season on the new pitches.

“They’re as good as they get, arguably the best in Somerset. Demand for these new Bridgwater facilities is going to be high.”

The YMCA Somerset Coast will be responsible for managing the new centre and taking bookings on Sedgemoor District Council’s behalf.

Martin Hodgson, chief executive of YMCA Somerset Coast, said: “This is a great building, much needed, which I am sure will be an asset for years to come.”

A community open day will be held by the YMCA and Residents’ Association on Saturday, November 8.