Grassroots sport in Halton received a boost with the news that work has started on Halton Borough Council’s Brookvale Recreation Centre Facility.

This has been made possible thanks to a grant of £303,284 from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, ‘pitched’ for by officers.

The grant enabled Halton Borough Council to begin work on its refurbishment of the sand-based astro-turf pitch at Brookvale Recreation Centre in Runcorn into a new 100m x 64m LED floodlit 3G Football Turf Pitch.

The site will be used by Beechwood JFC, Runcorn Town FC and other local teams as well as the local high school Ormiston Bolingbrook Academy.

The Council worked in partnership with the Cheshire County FA to secure the Football Foundation funding.

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Sport and Leisure, Cllr Paul Nolan, the Council’s portfolio holder for sport and leisure, said:“ The upgrade is well overdue and it is great to see the work has commenced.

“The Council and its partners are working on a development plan that will deliver a wide range of activities to the local community.

“Users will have the latest, top quality playing surface, thanks to the Football Foundation.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “It is great news for Halton that Halton Borough Council has started work at their Brookvale Recreation Centre site.

“This is the latest example of investment from our partners, the Premier League, The FA, Government and Sport England, improving grassroots facilities across the country.” This funding is enabling more people to enjoy the benefits of playing regular sport.”