A SCHOOL is hoping to open up more sports opportunities for pupils with the construction of a new all weather pitch.

Kearsley Academy is bidding to to create a 3G synthetic pitch and has revealed plans to improve school grounds to create a grass sports area.

The pitches are being created on the site of the former George Tomlinson School, at the front of the school

George Tomlinson School was shut in 2010 and Kearsley Academy opened in a bid to improve standards. The new school moved into a new building in 2013.

The turf — modelled on the pitch being constructed at Old Station Park in Horwich — will be designed mainly for football and next to it the school field will be improved so it can be used for sports including cricket, athletics, rounders, rugby and football.

The old school buildings were demolished around five years ago after the new Kearsley Academy opened.

The area was always designed to be turned into sports pitches but has never been suitable for PE because of drainage issues.

The green 3G turf will be fenced off and be lit by floodlights on 15 m high columns. The floodlights will be on a controlled timer and and used when in use and only during the dark.

The grassy area will be improved by using quality soil and sand along with drainage works.

A spokesman said: "This pitch will offer our students all-year availability of a wide range of sports including football, rugby, rounders and hockey, as well as some other athletic activities and fitness training.

"This new pitch will also allow Kearsley Academy and its students to host and play home fixtures which will give our sporting participation a huge boost.

"We also hope that these new facilities will further develop the sporting links between Kearsley Academy and community sports clubs, who may use this pitch and encourage wider sports participation for our students outside of Academy hours."

The 3G pitch will be used between 9am and 9pm on Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 5pm on Sundays.

Bolton Council's planning committee will rule on the plans in the near future.