PLANS to deliver a multi-million pound improvement project to sports facilities in Ringwood are heading in the right direction.

The scheme for Long Lane, the current home of Ringwood Town Football Club, has been in the pipeline for some time.

While finer details over the proposals are still to be discussed, a report to Ringwood Town Council identified the project was feasible and could create “greater opportunities for participation and community cohesion”.

Members of the council’s recreation, leisure and open spaces committee discussed a feasibility report earlier this month.

Mayor of Ringwood Tony Ring, who is one of the members on the council’s Long Lane Sports Development & Football Club Working Party, said the current facilities are in need of an upgrade.

“The driver of what could happen with this is the football club, they are negotiating with the FA,” Cllr Ring said.

“The aim is to end up with all weather facilities that can be used primarily for football, but also provide opportunities for other sports around this.

“There is quite a way to go with discussions between the town council and Ringwood Town Football Club. We have a working party that is in discussions with the club.

“Overall the goal is to deliver refurbished facilities that also have a wider appeal and use for sporting organisations in Ringwood.”

Significant funding is needed for the development, with projected costs exceeding £1.5million.

Ringwood Town Council instructed firm LK2 to carry out a feasibility study for the scheme.

The organisation’s report says: “Improvements to the sport and community facilities at Long Lane provides opportunities to existing users, proposed users and members of the local community through the development of a high-quality facility mix which creates greater opportunities for participation and community cohesion.”

Ringwood Football Club provides opportunities for more than 400 children aged from six up to 18 to take part in the sport, with a total of 24 teams.

A statement from club chairman Phil King says: “We are keen to foster and enhance further the image of the club in the local community.

“We want to build a “community club” suitable for all in the community of Ringwood.

“As a start, from the 2018-19 season, our Long Lane ground will be known as a “Community Stadium”, with all branding and signage to reflect this.”