LONG-awaited play facilities could be built in Witney by spring 2020.

West Oxfordshire District Council is expected to pass plans at its cabinet meeting today, setting aside a budget of £159,000 for the Madley Park Playing Fields Project.

A report prepared ahead of the meeting states that if councillors back the proposal as expected, work could commence in December to deliver new play and sports facilities.

It adds that the contract for the scheme, subject to final approval, has been given to Sutcliffe Play Ltd.

Officers and councillors from the authority and Witney Town Council have been working with Madley Park Residents Association since 2011 to enhance the recreation opportunities for young people.

The project will be funded from a combination of developer contributions, a community facilities grant from the council, external partnership funding and fundraising activities by the Madley Park Residents Association.

As reported in the Witney Gazette last month, the association raised £157,000 for facilities including a skate ramp, zip-wire and multi-use games area.

The sum included donations from businesses and charities, and grants from Witney Town Council, West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council also contributed to the total.

The Madley Park residential estate is home to 3,500 people, including a significantly higher proportion of younger people than the national average.

The estate's play equipment has not been updated since the development was built in the early 2000s, however.

Speaking last month, Michele Mead, the district council's cabinet member for health and leisure, said: "This is a true success story showing what can be achieved when a community works together.

" I’m delighted we have been able to support Madley Park Residents’ Association in their venture.

"The new facilities will be an excellent addition to Madley Park and provide something which residents told us they felt was lacking from their area."

According to its website, Sutcliffe Play has been providing playgrounds and multi-use games areas on behalf of councils for more than 30 years.