Construction work has started on a new sports facility that will cost more than £100,000.

A new multi-use games area (MUGA) at the Old Marshalling Yard, Silloth, was approved in December but earlier this month faced a setback.

Silloth-on-Solway Sports Association were told the town council could not be the accountable body to pay the VAT and then reclaim it back on the cost of the MUGA. Since this news they have been actively applying for grants to make up the deficit.

But now, the sports association have been able to move forward despite the financial obstacle.

On Monday digging started on the ground where the new area will be, meaning it is one step closer to being finished.

Tony Markley, mayor of Silloth, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement of Colin Baty, the man behind it all, applying for grants to get all the funding he has to get the work started.

“Weather permitting, it will hopefully be finished and ready to be used by the end of next month.”

A total of £11,118 was raised with donations from businesses such as Silloth Rotary Club, Carrs Mill, Silloth Music and Beer Festival and Silloth Bowling Club. This money was matched by funding from Sports England’s Community Asset Fund.

It is planned that tarmac will be laid on the new area next week. The new facility will be floodlit with a 4m-high fence and will consist of a 3G AstroTurf-type surface, allowing for sports such as hockey and football to be played all year round. It will be situated on land adjacent to Silloth Rugby Club.