A new ballcourt is now available in the heart of the Huncoat community thanks to a partnership with local organisations including Hyndburn Borough Council, Onward Homes and the Hyndburn Leisure Trust. The new ballcourt is an all-weather surface designed for a variety of sports including football, cricket, netball and basketball and is close to the playground on Bolton Avenue in Huncoat.

The project has come together and helps to deliver a legacy following the commitments of the partners to this year’s Let’s Move Hyndburn ‘22 campaign to encourage people to become active in their area.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services Steven Smithson said:

“It is great to see local organisations across Hyndburn working together to provide a new ballcourt in the heart of the Huncoat Community. I hope it encourages residents across the borough to be more active and get involved in the Lets Move Hyndburn 2022 campaign, organised by Hyndburn Leisure.”

Andrew Brown, Director of Housing & Specialist Living at Onward, said:

“Onward’s Social Investment Team has worked with the Let’s Move group for many years and it is great to see partners across Hyndburn coming together to support the group with the new sports facility that will be used for many years to come. Being able to work with organisations like Let’s Move that make a real difference to the lives of people in our communities is part of our wider commitment to making a positive impact and means a great deal to us here at Onward.”

Eamonn Higgins local ward councillor for Huncoat added: “I am delighted the new facility is available free of charge for our community to enjoy, the all-weather surface will allow people to continue to use it throughout the year and I look forward to seeing local families use and enjoy it over the coming months.” 

The Let’s move campaign is taking part throughout Hyndburn this year and encourages people to use their local green spaces for the associated health benefits. There are a number of local challenges that people can take part in through the ‘community fitness app’ and yet further organised sessions and events, which are well advertised locally. Information can be found on their social media channels and at Hyndburn Leisure Centre.

Linda Horsfield from Hyndburn Leisure Trust:  “We are pleased to be a part of this lasting legacy for the Huncoat community, we have worked with our partners to provide a number of activities this summer and encourage everyone to take part.”