DIDCOT residents are to be asked what type of pitches they want in a major new sports facility project for the town.

The 25-acre Hadden Hill site is earmarked by Didcot Town Council for sports facilities and a consultation will launch on Monday.

The land, next to the A4130 by the Hadden Hill Golf Club, is currently farmland.

It could be used for facilities such as football pitches and cricket grounds, but an athletics track has been ruled out.

Residents will also be asked if they want a pavilion, changing rooms and club house. Space for allotments is also under consideration.

Town council leader Margaret Davies said it means new sports such as hockey could start in the town.

She said: “Sports help to build a healthy community pride; it makes people feel proud of living in Didcot.

“It also encourages an interest in keeping fit and at the moment we do not have the facilities of a modern town which we need.

“New sports could come forward as well. We don’t have a hockey team in Didcot and we don’t have enough football pitches.”

Mrs Davies said the town council will only buy the site after permission is granted. Building would take more than a year.

The town council aims to buy the £1m land using government New Homes Bonus funding. Letters will be sent to homes next week to welcome responses, which can also be given at didcot.gov.uk