A new multi-million pound all weather ballcourt for the villages of Brinscall and Withnell is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Latest funding of £84,000 has just been secured for the project, which is part of the ongoing Railway Park development scheme at Brinscall.

It was felt the villages had been in need of such a facility for a long time and young people were consulted to seek their views as to which sports they would like to play there.

A major partnership initiative, with Groundwork Wigan and Chorley at the forefront, has kick started work to install the multi- use games area at the park.

In addition, funding will also see the completion of the footpath network around the area - a linear park between Withnell Fold Old Road and Railway Road.

The ballcourt, which will be available for sports such as football, tennis and basketball, will be launched early next year.

Senior project officer Vicky Duxbury, of Groundwork, said: "This area has been in need of such a facility for many years and now the funding has been received, work is due to start with speed on this much needed addition to the area.

"The multi-use games area will mean that local youngsters will have somewhere to play and will not have to play on the streets."

Plans for Railway Park were drawn up a couple of years ago. To date some £140,000 worth of funding has been secured for the project which was named by local schoolchildren following a competition. Other features will include a pond and wildlife area.

Those involved in the funding include Biffaward, Barclay Spaces for Sport, Chorley Borough Council, the Hanson Environment Fund and Withnell Parish Council.