TALKS are being held to resurrect a much-loved sporting arena that has been derelict for many years.

The Avery Sports Ground, in Sandham Road and City Road, Bearwood, was once the heart of the community and attracted hundreds of local families.

It consisted of a number of pitches including two tennis courts, a football field and a cricket square.

But since 1979, when weighing scales manufacturers Avery sold the land, the fields have become overgrown.

Doreen Hughes, aged 85, of Bearwood, said: “It’s such a shame it’s been empty for 30 years.

“I remember taking my daughter there when she was four weeks old.

“We’d lay our babies out on shawls and watched the cricket.

“There was a bungalow where you could have a cup of tea.