BLACKBURN with Darwen Council is looking to farm out the running of a community football pitch.

The council is asking for bids from parties interested in managing the operation of Roman Road community football pitch and associated changing rooms.

Applications are invited from interested football clubs willing to take on the lease of the facility and operate it for the good of the community and to benefit their football club. The lease will include the responsibility for the maintenance of the football pitch and external areas and the operation and utility costs of the changing room building.

Bosses hope a deal would be in place for the successful bidder to take on the facility from the beginning of June.

The facility is located on Fishmoor Drive in Blackburn and consists of a full size grass football pitch and adjoining changing rooms with kitchen and toilet facilities.

Council bosses say a number of football teams play regularly at the facility and these teams need to be considered going forward by the new management.

A spokesman said: “Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council believes that community asset transfer is fundamentally about giving local people and community groups greater control in the future of their area and their community.

“If local groups own or manage community assets – such as community centres or sports grounds – it can help foster a sense of belonging and bring together people from different backgrounds.

“Community management of assets can also play a part in raising local aspirations, in enhancing the local environment and in alleviating poverty.

“The council is committed to working constructively with community groups, local people and organisations to ensure that community asset transfer in Blackburn with Darwen is successful.”

Under the proposed terms of the deal, the council would continue to be financially responsible for upkeep of the rood and any leaks, as well as repairs to walls, fire risk assessments and electrical checks. And the council will continue to complete building maintenance.

The proposed lease will be for three years until decisions are made on the future of the land in line with other developments in that area.

The deadline for interested groups to submit their expression of interest is April 15, with a decision expected on the outcome by April 22.