THE first artificial playing pitch for the Cheddar area could be a step closer to reality with sport chiefs set to tap into a lucrative new funding source. A multi-purpose artificial pitch is badly needed in the area, according to a recent survey carried

THE first artificial playing pitch for the Cheddar area could be a step closer to reality with sport chiefs set to tap into a lucrative new funding source.A multi-purpose artificial pitch is badly needed in the area, according to a recent survey carried out by Sedgemoor District Council. It revealed that hockey teams in particular need the pitch and the area's best players are travelling outside the area to play.Several organisations are keen to host the £500,000 facility, including Kings of Wessex Community School in Cheddar, Cheddar Parish Council on its Sharpham Road Playing Fields and Shipham Parish Council on its New Road playing field.Sedgemoor says it cannot afford to stump up the cash but has found a new source of Government cash to apply for. The National Sports Foundation was created by Gordon Brown in the budget announced in March to match fund contributions from businesses towards sports facilities. It has £34m to spend within two financial years.Sedgemoor's leisure manager Nigel Roderick said: "The district council hasn't really got the money to invest in an artificial pitch at this time and Somerset County Council doesn't either, so we are trying to find other routes and avenues of funding."The new grant could make up part of it, but I can't say it will make up all of it."Everyone's asking businesses for sponsorship these days, but it's a useful potential fund.