Pitching in for Lottery hand-out

It wants to improve facilities in the area, and has compiled a 40-page dossier which shows the area is short of 73 hectares of playing fields.

The audit looked at pitches on public recreation land as well as playing fields managed by schools, assessed their size, quality, accessibility, how they are used by days and times, as well as the availability and quality of changing accommodation.

The research has shown there are 687 organised teams using grass pitches, and according to national standards of what is desirable for a certain level of population, the borough is 73 hectares short.

This, however, does not include land which could be brought into use if funds could be made available to improve or provide access roads and changing accommodation. The report concluded that many pitches are overused, especially those with changing facilities.

Junior teams are playing on adult sized pitches and many school pitches are inadequately maintained in relation to the high levels of use.

Some rugby pitches are being overplayed due to mini and midi rugby being played across them.

Chairman of Wigan's recreation committee, Cllr Wilf Brogan, said: "This strategy for grass playing fields is a vital planning document which I am confident will enable the council to bid effectively for lottery funding.

"This will be directed towards improving the number and quality of sports pitches and changing accommodation across the borough."

Director of leisure services, Rodney Hill, said: "This strategy is based on detailed research and consultation and is therefore a robust planning document with which to lever sports lottery investment in our playing fields."

Once approved in principle by the council, the director of Leisure Services will consult with all relevant local sporting organisations prior to its final adoption.

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