A desperate appeal has been made for cash support to replace crumbling astroturf pitches in Basildon's Gloucester Park.

Basildon Council, which runs and maintains the park, is looking for around £200,000 towards repairing the popular facility.

Nigel Smith, cabinet member for community and leisure, said numerous bids for grants had all been unsuccessful.

He said: "I, and the officers, are confident of getting the money for this project but we are just not sure where from.If any companies in the area are interested in sponsoring the pitches then we would be very interested to hear from them."

Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002