PLANS to improve sports pitches in Derwentside have been shelved after a knock-back from the National Lottery.

Derwentside District Council had bid for £100,000 from Lottery agents, the New Opportunities Fund, in January, to upgrade sports facilities including changing rooms and pitches.

But the council and the area's sports facility operators, Derwentside Leisure, have been told their application has been rejected.

Sports and activities manager at Derwentside Leisure, Colin McBride, said: "The money was crucial in implementing a programme of improvements which included necessary drainage work, re-seeding and general improvements to pitch surfaces."

"The council received £8,000 recently to carry out a playing pitch study, which will form the basis of a more in-depth strategy for playing pitches within the district.

"We are hoping that this will provide more concrete evidence of our need for additional monies and strengthen any future bids."