COMMUNITY facilities at the heart of Didcot’s new Great Western Park estate came under the spotlight at a public exhibition yesterday.

Developer Taylor Wimpey is building more than 3,000 homes on land off the A4130, as part of 10,000 dwellings to be built in the area by 2026.

On Thursday and yesterday at the Civic Hall, residents got the chance to see detailed plans. Building work started two years ago and the estate is due to be completed by 2025.

Taylor Wimpey has pledged £60m for infrastructure for the 179-hectare development.

Among those examining the plans were pensioners Michael and Marilyn Bartlett, pictured, of Didcot. Mrs Bartlett, who has lived in nearby Slade Road for 36 years, said: “Some people will benefit from the sports facilities, but there will be a lot of dog walkers who will be sad to see so much open countryside taken up by these new homes.”

Richard Boother, who works for RPS planning consultants, on behalf of Taylor Wimpey, said about 300 people visited the exhibition.

"There was a good turnout and people were interested to see plans for the sports facilities including the new pavilion,” he said.

The £60m investment on infrastructure will include money for transport links, new schools, and leisure facilities at Boundary Park at the centre of the estate. As well as a sports pavilion, there will be full size cricket, rugby and football pitches, and four tennis courts.