OVER £7.5m of investment is planned to be made into community projects and facilities in a Hampshire borough.

Using funding that has been created as a result of new homes being built, Eastleigh Borough Council aims to improve its communities by investing in a range of projects.

All told, 14 projects are set to benefit from funding with the largest amount being invested in a new Community Sports Ground and artificial pitch in Hedge End and Botley.

A total of £3m has been allocated for the facility, with other projects including £1.4m for the new Arch Youth Theatre in Chandler’s Ford, £529,000 at the Memorial Hall and Glebe Meadow in Bishopstoke and £507,000 on a replacement for the Long Lane Pavilion in Bursledon.

Over £750,000 will also be spent on children’s play with the provision of new and refurbished play areas across the Borough including Netley’s Station Road, Hedge End Way, Latitude, Heron Walk, Kingfisher Grange, Kestrel Park, Crowdhill, Pembers Hill, Cox Row, and Lawn Road.

Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “Over £7.5 million marks a continued and significant investment in our communities across the Borough.

"It will provide new and improved facilities for the benefit of all local residents and our wider communities to enjoy.”