CHILDREN from one of Southampton's most deprived areas could benefit from a £300,000 sports ground if a lottery bid is successful.

Leisure chiefs in Southampton are applying for lottery cash to put in a games area in Northumberland Avenue, Bevois Valley, for hockey, cricket, foot-ball and other sports.

The area is one that is currently deprived of green and open space, said ward councillor Parvin Damani.

The project will be part-funded by the inner city regeneration partnership and the city council, but some £150,000 is needed from the sports lottery fund if the whole project is to go ahead.

The cash would provide for an all-weather pitch, a hard play area for basketball and upgraded lighting and fencing, to ensure youngsters' safety.

The games area would be used by adjoining Maytree School during the day, and opened to community use during out of school hours.

A decision on lottery cash is due in March 2000.

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