A NEW multi-use sports pitch and conservation area on Hounslow's Sutton Lane estate will stop youngsters risking their lives playing football on the streets, it is hoped.

Work is nearly finished on a multi-use games area and wildlife patch beside Sutton Lane Community Centre, in Moulton Avenue.

The long-neglected site has been transformed from an overgrown wilderness over the last few weeks to provide much-needed sports facilities for children in the area.

Football coaching and a mini tournament are among the events planned as part of a fun day marking the official opening of the new facilities on Saturday, July 31.

The work was funded by a £60,000 grant awarded as part of the Rainbow Project, jointly organised by Hounslow Council and Hounslow Homes, in which community groups were invited to bid for money to improve their estates.

Project manager Mark Bailey, one of a handful of volunteers who help run the centre, said: "There are plenty of children on the estate playing football on the streets and nearly getting run over.

"Hopefully this will help get children off the streets and steer them away from crime. Ultimately we want them to take control and maybe start a youth club. We're keen to get more young people using the community centre."

The games area, where people can play football, basketball and tennis, among other sports, will be free for anyone to use at first, though a nominal charge may be introduced later.

The community centre is currently only open when it is being hired for parties or for regular events, including gardening club meetings, coffee mornings and nia dance classes.

However, Mr Bailey said volunteers would now open the gates each morning, so people can drop in throughout the day to use the games area, before closing them at night.

Pupils from the nearby Wellington Primary School have also been invited to use the conservation area for field trips.

It is just three years since the community centre itself was reopened after a major refurbishment.

The building, a former scout hut owned by Hounslow Homes, had been derelict for years and was frequently targeted by vandals and arsonists.

Residents formed Sutton Lane Residents Association in 2005 and spent two years working on the restoration before the building re-opened in 2007.

For more information about the community centre, or to make a donation, email suttonlanera@gmail.com.