WORK to erect a much-needed shelter at a sports club can begin after plans were given the nod by councillors. Potters Bar Petanque Club, which is based in

WORK to erect a much-needed shelter at a sports club can begin after plans were given the nod by councillors.

Potters Bar Petanque Club, which is based in Oakmere Park, asked Hertsmere Borough Council back in November for permission to build a storage/shelter facility.

And now, following the latest meeting of the council's Potters Bar and Shenley planning committee, the club's application has been approved.

Club chairman Michael Penn told the Potters Bar Edition the structure was needed to replace the club's gazebo, which was burned to the ground by vandals in 2006.

He said the lockable building would be used for both storing equipment and as a shelter for competitors during inclement weather.

"For the past two-and-a-half-years it (having no shelter) has been miserable," the 77-year-old said.

When built, the shelter will be big enough to accommodate 50 people and will be painted cream to match nearby Oakmere House.

Plants will also be introduced in order to enhance the environment.

Mr Penn, of Heath Drive, added: "I think everybody that goes to the park will be pleased to see it because all they are seeing at the moment is the back end of houses.

"This will be a nice building when it is all decorated and we have got planters in."

Construction is expected to start shortly and it is envisaged the building will be in place by the end of April.