HASLEMERE leisure centre The Edge is celebrating its new state-of-the-art all-weather pitch.

Waverley Borough Council spent £130,000 replacing the pitch, which will be put to good use by a range of sporting teams, including Haslemere Hockey Club. The club also contributed to the cost of the project.

The blue artifical pitch has already hosted the hockey club’s heavy duty under-10s tournament in which 15 teams competed.

Waverley vice-chairman and portfolio holder for finance and communications, councillor Ged Hall, said: “In line with our commitment to community sport, Waverley has installed a new state-of-the-art pitch carpet at The Edge.

“The £130,000 was spent to ensure the facility continues to be a centre of excellence for all age groups to play hockey and other sports and we would like to thank Haslemere Hockey Club for its additional contribution towards the blue carpet, which will support the club playing at higher regional levels.

Fellow town ward members Robert Knowles and Carole King joined Mr Hall at The Edge to see the new pitch used for the first time to host the U10s hockey festival.

The club’s head of coaching Neil Francis, said: “The club was very excited and happy to contribute funds to this major project.

“Blue coloured pitches are being adopted by the top clubs and are the norm at international level.

“With 12 adult teams and 340 junior members, Haslemere HC continues to develop as one of the best hockey destinations for young and not so young players in the South of England, and runs a well developed programme supporting hockey coaching in local primary schools.”

Waverley’s portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and culture, councillor Jenny Else, added: “We are happy that the new astro turf will be so beneficial for local sports clubs, who enjoy having such a great facility on which to play.

“It’s important to have a healthy population and we will continue to support facilities such as our local leisure centres and sports facilities which help to play such a pivotal role in the wellbeing of our community.”

The pitch is currently used by 12 regular clubs/organisations and is available for hire through Places Leisure by contacting [email protected]

Waverley Borough Council agreed this summer to deliver a multi-million pound investment into its leisure centres.

The proposals include earmarking £3.2million to extend Godalming and Farnham leisure centres and a commitment to invest in leisure facilities in Cranleigh.

nThe Edge pitch is used by 12 regular clubs and organisations and is available for hire by emailing:natashaconnolly [email protected]