A NEW football and basketball pitch has been opened by youngsters in Southampton.

The tarmac playing surface, heavy duty goalposts and hoops have been installed at Sullivan Road in Sholing. The new facilities cost the city council over £36,000, after a youth development study revealed the area was in dire need of more recreation facilities for youngsters.

Councillor Dave Hill, chair of the children and young persons' committee blew a whistle to declare the pitch open.

He said: "It is important that young people have a focus in their local area to meet."

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