LEIGH are building for the future - both on and off the pitch.

The ambitious Second Division side are now back on the climb after three years wracked by financial problems and an even longer period of declining results.

But now they also feel capable of mounting a serious promotion challenge.

And, with perfect timing, it coincides with the start of major ground improvement works.

Within the next few weeks, £240,000 worth of re-development work will have been completed - leaving Leigh with one of the best-appointed grounds outside the Super League.

Plans are in the pipeline for the construction of a new stand which will raise the Hilton Park profile even higher.

Re-development work on the Supporters' Stand has been underway for several weeks with three sides being totally re-cladded and steelwork cleaned and re-painted.

Even more changes are almost finished beneath the stand with new dressing rooms, physiotherapy suite and boardroom already nearing completion. Work on a re-vamped Mick Martyn Bar will double its capacity.

In the second week of May it is anticipated new floodlight pylons will be erected.

Preparatory work on the lights has been completed and delivery of the steelwork and floodlight heads are expected soon. The heads are on a hydraulic system which can be lowered for ease of maintenance and cleaning. Other smaller modifications to the ground include a new PA system and the construction of toilets for the disabled.

Seventy per cent of the final bill has been funded by grants from the Sports Ground Initiative with Leigh financing the remainder.

"It was imperative these ground improvements were made if this club was to make any sort of progress," said chairman Mick Higgins.

"Hilton Park, for years, has been neglected as far as supporters have been concerned. These days fans rightly demand better facilities. We aim to give them something of which they can be proud."

The Leigh boss is at pains to point out that the grant money is available only for use on ground improvements. "None of the money can be used to sign players," he added.

"When you look back to 1993 this club was just 24 hours from closure. In four years we have gone through administration and come out the other side a fitter and leaner club.

"What has been achieved in that space of time has been nothing short of a miracle.

"If, over the next five years or so, we can achieve what we have set out to achieve, the town will have something of which to be really proud. It will be a legacy for all to see and all to enjoy."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.