A well-used outdoor sports area in Highfield is open again following a £23,000 makeover.

Bosses at Highfield Community Centre had to close the playground last year due to its poor condition.

They found money from various sources to transform the pitch into an enclosed, modern multi-use games area.

Centre worker Fazeela Hanif said the pitch had been created from a playground when Highfield Middle School was transformed into the centre.

But she said that in recent years it had become an eyesore due to having three different types of fencing.

Fazeela added: “It was being used, but due to vandalism and other issues in the area, we had to close it for a year.

“It needed updating. When we did consultations with the community, it was what people wanted.”

The sports area has now been resurfaced and is enclosed by modern mesh, including “rebound fencing” that balls can bounce off.

Fazeela said the area was marked out for five-a-side football and could also be used for tennis.

The Drewry Road community centre also has an indoor sports hall used regularly for volleyball, basketball, badminton and table tennis, as well as for parties and wedding events.