Local politicians have lent their voices to calls to save a community space in a Ceredigion village.

Concerns have been raised over the future of the Parcllyn playing fields and children’s play area after it was revealed the Ministry of Defence plans to sell off the site.

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake and MS Elin Jones have visited Parcllyn sports field near Aberporth to meet with local residents concerned at the potential loss of a community asset.

Ms Jones and Mr Lake met with local county councillor Gethin Davies, Aberporth Community Council representatives and local residents who are concerned over the sports field’s future after it emerged that the Ministry of Defence, who own the site, are looking to sell both the Hillside Road pitch and children’s play area alongside the former sports and social club which closed last year.

The sports field has been the home of Aberporth Football Club since World War Two and the club’s nickname ‘The Airmen’ acknowledges their long-time links with the former Royal Aircraft Establishment.

The children’s playground site, despite being owned by the MoD, has been maintained and run by Aberporth Community Council for over 20 years.

“This news is deeply concerning and disappointing. The sports field is a vital asset to the community, providing much-needed space for activities that aid people’s physical and mental health,” said Mr Lake.

“I remember playing football on this sports field on many an occasion and I know the site means so much to the Aberporth community.”

“I will write to the Ministry of Defence to underline to them the importance of such a community asset,” he said.

“Getting rid of such a facility would fly in the face of all the physical and mental benefits we know can be gained from sport and recreation.”

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed they no longer need the facility, while recognising that it was ‘an important local asset’.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently considering ways in which this sports field can remain available to the community,” adding that the site formerly occupied by the Aberporth Sports and Social Club was to be sold on the open market as it was ‘surplus to requirements’.