Plans for petanque pitch on Milford seafront

Plans have been put forward for a public petanque pitch on Milford seafront.

The proposal, which would cost in the region of £4,000, was introduced at a Milford Parish Council meeting by local enthusiast and chair of New Milton Petanque Club, Jonathan Ruddle

He suggested that a 14m by 6m playing area would be created on a grassy site between the Needles Eye Café and an NFDC-operated car park.

Mr Ruddle said: “This patch of land would be perfect for a small recreational petanque terrain. I believe that adding it as a resource for villages and visitors alike would not only make the area more attractive but would add amenity value.”

It was put forward that a semi-formal garden area could also be installed to make the site more attractive, and members of the public could then use the space on an informal ‘turn up and play’ basis.

Describing petanque as an “easily accessible sport for older people”, Mr Ruddle said the facility would encourage outdoor recreation and promote wellbeing.

He continued: “Unlike lawn for lawn bowls, a petanque terrain does not have to be completely level and the top playing does not have to follow strict guidelines. Another advantage is that the cost of ongoing maintenance is very low.”

However, Cllr Sue Whitlock said the site had previously been identified as an area that could provide facilities for families. She said: “Developing that site is something we have discussed before and the feeling was that it should provide some sort of amenity for children.”

It was suggested that other seafront locations – potentially near the existing bowls club – may provide a better setting for a petanque pitch.