A NEW area for playing pétanque has been built in a Bournemouth park.

Members of the public now have use of five terrains for playing the game, which is similar to boules. The facility at Muscliff Park is the initiative of the Muscliff-Whittaker Foundation, which was set up in memory of long-standing councillor Ron Whittaker.

The charity partnered up with the Plymouth Brethren who helped fund the pétanque facility, with volunteers, led by Brian Pesker, giving up their time to build it.

Ward councillor Anne Rey said it was a “thank you and tribute” to Cllr Whittaker who helped Plymouth Brethren find a centre in Bournemouth.

“As one of the ward members, I would like to personally thank everyone who has been involved in this project - a real team effort and an example of how the community and council can work together and enhance an area for the benefit of all.

“Many volunteers have built five terrains on Muscliff Park, including lighting and fencing. It looks brilliant. Even more amazing, the Plymouth Brethren built the pétanque area for free.”

She added: “The pétanque terrains will be available to Bournemouth residents for informal play, as well as club matches.

“The cabinet member Cllr Lawrence Williams and parks officers have been supportive of this new facility, as have the community regeneration staff.

Hilary Annicchiarico, president of the new Muscliff Park Pétanque Club and vice chair of the Muscliff-Whittaker Foundation, said everybody was welcome to play at the new facility.

“We’re giving free tuition on Tuesday afternoons for anyone who wants to come along. Anybody can come along and play, any time.

“Pétanque is a friendly game for everybody of all levels. You can learn just by practising. We’ve had lots of interest from people who want to join the club – we’ve got 26 members so far. We’d also like to encourage young people to be interested and join us.”