NEW facilities for sports players in Malton and Norton could be a step closer to reality, now that cash has been secured to pay for specialist land surveys.

Funds from North Yorkshire County Council, Ryedale District Council and Malton Town Council have been provided.

The money will be spent, together with cash from the sports clubs, on geophysical surveys at the site.

Because of the archaeological importance of the site, on Old Malton Road, the surveys must be carried out before any more detailed planning of the development takes place.

Don Low, from Malton and Norton Sports Association (MANSA), said that the surveys were due to be completed this autumn, after harvest time.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, June 12, 2003