ETC Sports Surfaces has transformed a muddy Essex car park into a new multi-use games area for schoolchildren.

The new facility at the Children’s Support Services Heybridge Centre is intended to give youngsters an attractive facility to play football, tennis and basketball.

The Heybridge Centre offers a wide range of services for secondary school children who have learning and behavioural difficulties.

Funding from Essex County Council enabled the improvements, giving the children the chance to play sports in a safe, enclosed all weather surface area outside.

Premises manager Phil Davis said: “The MUGA has made a real difference to the school - we now have more curriculum based PE activities for the children to participate in and they can use the area in all weathers.”

ETC Sports Surfaces constructed a Porous Macadam Multi-Use Games Area. This surface is ideal for private, club and school use as it needs very little maintenance throughout the year and is less slippery after raining. This is down to the porosity of the surface, which means it can be played on soon after it has rained, making it an ideal all weather surface.

The area was designed for five-a-side football with two goal recesses built in. A basketball post and backboard were integrated into the sports fencing, with durable double wire panel fencing system supplied by Zaun Fencing.