Ealing Council has commissioned Knight, Kavanagh & Page (KKP) to produce its Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy. The Council's aim is to provide a clear strategic pathway for improvement, investment and protection of outdoor sports facilities in the area, supporting its strategic planning framework and existing documentation.

In awarding the contract, Ealing Council recognised the fact that this is a project that KKP is ideally placed to deliver.  It has class-leading expertise in strategic facilities, playing pitch and open spaces planning and has, over the last 5 years, researched and developed playing pitch and outdoor facility strategies for more than 50 local authorities throughout the UK. A key reason for the Company's success and pre-eminence in this area is that it not only provides robust standards for future provision, but also a firm basis upon which future investment can be targeted and external funding attracted.

In confirming the appointment the Council commented that it was not only impressed by KKP's comprehensive methodology but also its proven track record. Testament to KKP's reputation is the ongoing impact of the playing pitch strategy developed for Birmingham City Council.  Following on from the playing pitch and open spaces strategy developed in 2002-03, which incorporated clearly identified priorities and actions, the City Council has implemented more than 50% of the action plan and invested £4m in pitches and ancillary facilities. Of this figure, 70% has been secured from external partners such as The Football Foundation and NOF.

Claire Fallon has overall responsibility for PPG17 work within KKP and will project manage the assignment for Ealing.  She is a Green Flag judge and has, over the last 12 months, managed PPG17 assignments, featuring playing pitch strategies, in Bolton, Calderdale, Three Rivers, Dacorum and Kirklees plus, prior to that, playing pitch strategies for Tameside, St Helens, Wirral, Barnet and Bolton. Commenting on the project in Ealing, Claire said, "I am looking forward to developing a strategy that supports Ealing's goal to be considered by local people and others as an excellent sports and physical activity service."