A NEW multi-use games area in Wincanton has moved a step closer thanks to a £2,000 cash boost from the police community trust.

Floodlights could now be incorporated into the design to help illuminate the adjacent skatepark thanks to the cash.

More than 150 questionnaires were returned to the town clerk from schools, revealing what young people wanted from the £80,000 facility.

New football equipment at the MUGA came out on top with 52 per cent of the votes.

Cricket, mini-rugby, hockey, netball and basketball were also picked out by young people in the town as popular sports to be included.

More unusual sports on questionnaires returned by children from King Arthur's, Wincanton Primary and Our Lady of Mount Carmel school included ballet, cheerleading and American dodgeball.

A grant of £35,000 in matched funding has been offered by the district council, as long as the town can find the rest.

Town clerk Sam Skirton is confident the council can raise the rest of the money required so work can begin at the Rickhayes recreation ground in June.

"The response from the three schools in the town was excellent and everyone is pulling together to try and make this happen," she said.

"I have a 14-year-old son, so I have a good idea of what young people want in the town and the MUGA project will certainly be popular.

"We may have to move paths and cut back trees but the floodlights will mean the MUGA could be used all through the year."

Ms Skirton and town councillors met with the King Arthur's sports council on Tuesday to discuss how the area would be used and a £500 donation towards the project.

The council hopes to use the facility for coaching sessions to help provide young people with out-of-school activities.

A meeting has been set up with waste management company Viridor in May to apply for further funding.

"There is still some way to go with the fundraising but we have come up with some good ideas to reach the target," she added.

"Hopefully businesses in town can get involved by leaving jam jars out for their customers to donate loose change.

"A Devon council raised over £5,000 for its MUGA that way so it could be a good way to help us reach our target."

Support for the MUGA is also on the way from the Brue Valley Rotary Club.

The club's president elect, Sally Hoadley, says the charity is keen to support a broad section of the community.

"The MUGA is a great project for young people in Wincanton and one that the Rotary Club will be supporting through fundraising initiatives," she said. "We have also offered support for the Market House regeneration in Castle Cary and also for a Bruton day centre for the elderly as we are keen to support a cross-section of society."