FOUR new football pitches will be built in a £500,000 revamp of run-down playing fields.

The state-of-the-art pitches — two adults pitches, one youth pitch and one junior pitch — along with changing rooms, toilets for players and spectators and a new car park will be built at Hulton Lane playing fields.

There will also be a multi-use games area, a rounders field, a new children’s play area and footpaths.

The development is part of a £2 million Bolton Council investment in sport in the borough.

Hulton Lane playing fields has been dogged by problems with drainage for several years and fallen out of regular use.

The £474,000 will also be spent resolving the issues so the pitches can be used all year round.

Hulton ward councillor Andy Morgan, who has been leading the campaign to have the pitches revamped, said: “A lot of the money is going to be used to make the area ready for the new football pitches.

“These pitches were massive 20 or 30 years ago but they fell into disrepair over time and became unusable.

“There will also be a fenced off multi-use games pitch with basketball hoops next to a junior play area with swings and climbing frames — so it’s not just about football.”

Cllr Morgan has worked with local people who have had concerns about potential problems a youth centre will attract.

He said: “There’s a balance — people are concerned when youth facilities are built near their homes.

“So we have moved their playing areas away from the houses. I’ve spoken to many residents and about 95 per cent see the redevelopment as a benefit.

“It will be a long job and a finishing time will depend on what the planning committee decides and the weather but we’re aiming to see the fruits of our labour this time next year.”

Funding for the development has come from previous housing developments within the Hulton area.

Cllr John Byrne, cabinet member for Neighbourhood and Community Services added: “We are delighted that these new playing fields will offer year-round opportunities for both adults and young people to take part in sport.”

Council bosses have already presented a draft proposal to the Hulton Area Forum and given residents who live in Edge Hill Road the opportunity to comment.

A public meeting will be held at the Salvation Army Hall in Aldred Street, off St Helens Road on Tuesday, October 29, starting at 7pm, to discuss the plans.

The council will also be investing more than £600,000 across other playing fields, including drainage of pitches at Green Lane, Horwich; Leverhulme Park; Vicarage Road, Blackrod and Westhoughton Central Park, as well as new changing rooms at Harper Green Playing Fields and Queens Park.

As part of the £2 million investment in sport, the council will also plough more than £300,000 into refurbishing tennis courts across the borough, more than £200,000 on new and refurbished multi-use games areas, approximately £150,000 on cycle trails and £60,000 on Bolton’s first outdoor gym.

Cllr Byrne said: “Taking part in sports and recreational activities is really important as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“The further investment we will be making in draining other pitches, refurbishing tennis courts and creating cycle trails should mean that there is something to take part in for everyone across the borough.”