30.40.1 The running track at Morpeth Common lies within the newly developed football stadium but is of only moderate quality. The lack of modern specialist facilities for use by Morpeth Harriers, one of the premiere athletics clubs in the northeast, has frequently been brought to the attention of the Council. It has proved difficult both to identify and publicly resource a stand-alone athletics facility. However, the recent move of Morpeth Town Football Club to Morpeth Common provides an opportunity for an improvement to both clubs' facilities through the upgrading of the existing track and associated facilities.

30.40.2 The existing sports pitch provision in Morpeth amounts to approximately 18.0 hectares which is close to the standard of provision advocated by the National Playing Fields Association and accordingly there is not the requirement for a major new allocation of sports pitches within the town. The modest new allocations and improvements proposed will continue to maintain an adequate level of provision throughout the plan period. The former Morpeth Cricket, Tennis and Hockey Club site has been developed for housing and as part of the development proposals the club has relocated to new purpose- built facilities at Longhirst Hall less than two miles from the town.