A recreation ground proposed for Ripley has moved a step closer after an application to change the use of land where it would be based was approved last night. A report to Amber Valley Borough Council's Planning Board on Monday 16 April recommended approval for the temporary change of use from agricultural land to recreational public open space for two years. That approval was granted at the meeting.

It now means the site can be seeded to enable informal public access in time for the school summer holidays and will form the first stages of what could be a new park for Amber Valley. The existing hedgerow, that crosses the site, will be retained as a landscape feature, pending the future formal use of the recreational area.

The Council is currently consulting with schools and sports clubs to determine the long term sports uses of this land and adjoining land and the facilities of a new children's play area.

Derbyshire Police have agreed in principle to allow the Ripley Rhinos Rugby Club and Butterley United Cricket club to share the use of the recreation ground at their headquarters in Ripley. Discussions are continuing with Ripley Town Football Club and Ripley Rangers Football Club about their potential future use of the recreation ground off Nottingham Road. The new park could, in future, include a revised skateboard facility as well as recreational football pitches and a new children's play area, depending on the outcome of the public consultation.

For further information please contact Luke Barrett, Communications Manager 01773 841655 luke.barrett@ambervalley.gov.uk