TWO schools will get new all-weather sports pitches after getting the go ahead from councillors yesterday.

St Catherine’s Academy in Breightmet can now install an artificial grass pitch with two equipment team shelters and an equipment container.

It will replace a grass surfaced playing pitch and be built on an overgrown area within the playing fields off Newby Road.

During the day, the pitch would be used exclusively by the school but it will be open to the public outside of school hours, for pre-booked use only.

Meanwhile, Kearsley Academy will get a 3G all-weather sports pitch which would be located next to the natural grass sports fields with space for multiple sports.

Westhoughton councillor David Chadwick said that a 3G pitch was needed in this end of the borough.

Former council leader Cliff Morris also welcomed the plans.

He said: “This school has had a lot of problems with its playing fields because it’s so near to the Singing Clough. I’m glad to see that the school will get the facilities that it needs.”

Councillors raised concerns about floodlighting but approved both plans.