FOOTBALLERS in Blackrod can look forward to playing on a new pitch and getting ready in decent changing facilities if Bolton Council gives a planning application the green light.

Blackrod Town Football Club hopes to build a new pitch and pavilion at Rigby Hill as their current turf at nearby Vicarage Road has deteriorated so much that visiting teams have complained about the surface and are reluctant to play there.

The team, which plays in the West Lancashire League, want to apply to the Sports Lottery and Football Foundation for funding for the pitch and changing facilities next to the current cricket club. But firstly they need Bolton Council to agree to give them the land.

Blackrod councillors back the plans, which would allow all the village primary schools and other community groups to use the facilities despite the footballers paying for the upkeep of the ground.

Jim Monks, president of Blackrod Town, said: "We've had lots of complaints about the standard of football being demeaned by the football pitch and changing facilities.

"We want a grade one football pitch with shower and changing facilities.

"It will just involve the upgrading of the current land and people needn't worry about us installing a bar for events as we have already have a good relationship with the Red Lion.

"We will be able to put up small goal posts for under-sevens and rounders players will also be welcome."

Building the new pitch will mean a children's playground being moved to the other side of the playing fields, but councillors did not imagine this would create problems.

Blackrod Mayor Cllr Pat Barrow said: "I think it would be a great thing for the village and we want to make it clear that Blackrod Town Council supports it 100 per cent."

John Shepley, Deputy Director of Education and Culture at Bolton Council, said: "I can't see the council objecting to the plans because the facility is for the community."

The proposals will now be submitted to Bolton Planning Committee.