Bouled over on the Hoe

A patch of ground on the Hoe has been  transformed into a pitch for the game of petanque.

Work has been carried out by Council staff to creating the 'piste', as it is known, for the French game which has enjoyed an explosion of popularity in the city.

The site – which is just below the site of the former big wheel – has been levelled off, and is now ready for action.

The funding for the piste has come from the St Peter and the Waterfront ward councillors, Councillors Chris Penberthy, Sue McDonald and Ian Tuffin who contributed £1,750 through their Community Grant Scheme.

Cabinet Member for the Environment Councillor Brian Vincent said: "We think it is a great addition to what's on offer for both visitors and local people who flock to enjoy our amazing Hoe. It is a fun, free sport for all ages."

Councillor Sue McDonald said: "The piste improves facilities in the local area and is a great way for people of all age to meet up, enjoy the fresh air and gentle exercise."

Councillor Penberthy added: "The idea came from local people and we were delighted to help them achieve this goal. We met with the Hoe Conservation Society and worked out how we could support the scheme, which really adds something to the area."

Plymouth has four sites for the game across the city including:

Devonport Park – created as part of the People's Park Lottery programme

Freedom Fields – developed and installed in partnership with the friends group and local councillors

Moor View Park can hold two or three games and the Friends of the Park group host very-well attended boules camp in the summer

Last year the Plymouth Pétanque Club was set up to promote and encourage the playing of the game to everyone, welcoming people of all ages and abilities. A planning application for the scheme was approved last Autumn and was supported by the Petanque Club, as well as the Garden History Society.