Another football pitch for the town is being called for by a Maldon councillor.

Paul Rew (Lab, Maldon East) has said a central piece of land must be handed over to the community, as outlined by the draft local plan from Maldon District Council.

Primrose Meadow, off Wantz Road, is owned by the Plume School and Essex County Council, but has already been allocated in the plan for a pitch, and a possible site for other activities.

But despite the draft not being agreed yet, Mr Rew wants to see action taken.

"The opportunities exist for a much-needed football pitch and also some tree planting. "This could also serve as a site for the forthcoming Golden Jubilee," he said.

He is hoping the town council, meeting tonight (Monday), will support the idea and pass it on to district councillors.

But this could mean a compulsory purchase order being imposed on the current owners.

A spokesman for Maldon District Council said the local plan had allocated the space - big enough for two pitches - for public leisure, but it was dependent on councillors giving the idea the thumbs-up.

"It needs to be brought back to the community as there is a real need for more space," said Mr Rew.

"A survey was carried out and revealed a real deficiency of pitches in the district," the spokesman added.

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