Plans to develop a new athletics track in Oakdale has been approved by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The plans will see a community athletics hub at Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School, which will include the borough’s first floodlit synthetic running track.

The six-lane, 300-metre track will also feature a fan for off-field events such as high jump, long jump, shot put, javelin and discus.

Grass will remain on the area inside the track to be used as a sports pitch and for various other school activities.

Two storage units are also set to be added to the site to store athletics equipment.

Caerphilly is currently one of six local authorities in Wales without a synthetic athletics track.

Funding for the project comes through the Welsh Government’s Community Hub Grant Programme, totalling £755,000.

Cllr Barbara Jones, the council’s cabinet member for education and achievement, said the project’s approval was “fantastic news.” 

Cllr Jones added: “The new facility will maximise the benefits of our school sites for the wider community outside of school hours, whilst providing opportunities for our aspiring athletes to train within the county borough.

“Now that planning permission has been granted, the council will engage with residents throughout the duration of the contract to address any concerns that may arise as the scheme progresses.”