Youngsters will be able to play sports to their hearts’ content at an attraction launching in the New Year.

Ilford Recorder: Cllr Wes Streeting testing out the new pitch at the Ashton Playing FieldsCllr Wes Streeting testing out the new pitch at the Ashton Playing Fields (Image: Archant)

The Ashton Playing Fields have been upgraded with an all-weather pitch, which will host football, rugby and hockey matches.

Work began in September on the site, which will also have new foundations, drainage, fencing, carpeting and lighting.

The old pitch opened nearly three decades ago - in 1986.

Cllr Wes Streeting, Redbridge Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for health and wellbeing, visited the fields, in Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge, yesterday to try out the new pitch.

He said: “It was great to see the pitch in such good condition. This is a significant improvement to one of the borough’s community leisure facilities.

“As it is an all-weather pitch, it will always be there for people to use – even in rain and snow.”

The project has been funded by the London Marathon Charitable Trust, Redbridge Council and Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure, which manages the playing fields.

The new pitch will be unveiled in January.