A MULTI-million pound plan to improve sports and leisure facilities in Redditch over the next two years was unveiled yesterday.

The programme lists a number of initiatives to be implemented, including the creation of a massive sports facility in Batchley.

Funding from various agencies and organisations is being sought to deliver the plan, totalling more than £5 million, including the lottery, the Football Foundation and Advantage West Midlands.

A new artificial surface to provide training facilities for football and hockey will be laid at Arrow Vale High School for use by pupils and the community.

A bid to the Football Foundation has been made to improve the quality of football pitches across the town and increase the number by eight.

And for the first time, midnight basketball will also be introduced in an attempt to keep youths off the streets and cut crime.