Peacehaven Town Council is upgrading the Piddinghoe Avenue pitch which is used by Peacehaven and Telscombe Football Club.

The work is taking place after the club agreed a phone mast could be put on a floodlight pylon.

Cllr Chris Bishop, chairman of the leisure and amenity committee, said: 'There was a need for a mobile phone mast in the area to improve the service for residents and the ideal location was on a floodlight pylon at the football club.

'Once it was agreed that this was the best site, the committee agreed that an ideal way to compensate the club was to use the rental from the mast to improve the facilities at the sports park, which included the football club.'

'There will also be the possibility of regaining a large amount of the outlay as the aerator (a machine to allow the pitch to breathe and keep it well drained) which had to be purchased to maintain the pitch, will be available for hire.

'This investment is in the young people of the area as well as the club. If a club like Peacehaven and Telscombe FC has quality facilities it can help propel them in the right direction.

'If there is a successful team then people want to be part of it, encouraging the young people to participate in the sport.'

The pitch has been stripped, fertilised and laser graded to ensure a flat playing surface at a cost of £26,000.

In addition, £16,000 of equipment has been bought to make sure the pitch is kept in good condition.

The mayor, Cllr Ian Buchanan, said: 'This is one of the largest investments the council has made in the community.'

The improvement work will be completed in September and the club should be playing matches starting on October 4.

If other councils wish to hire the aerator, contact the town council office on 01273 585493.