A SCHOOL football pitch described as a vital community facility is to be refurbished – ending fears that it was closing for good.

The astro-pitch Audley Junior School, as well as being used by pupils is widely utilised by various sports groups and members of the community at evenings and weekends.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Rumours swept the Audley community that the authorities were thinking of shutting the Astro Pitch currently run by the school.

So much so that a petition with 375 signatures was created by local football clubs calling for the council to reconsider the decision to close the facility and open a dialogue with the community and regular users of the Astro Pitch on how best the facility can be sustained.

However assurances have now been given that the pitch will only be closed temporarily from Easter while a new surface to be laid after health and safety concerns about the existing pitch.

Iqbal Bhai, the chairman of Blackburn United, one of the community groups who regularly use the pitch.

He said: “The facility is situated in the heart of the community and is used by people of all ages from the community as well as the wider community of Blackburn and Darwen.

“It is evident how popular it is by the volume of people playing each evening.

“The fear amongst the community is that they would have resorted to hanging around on street corners and causing anti-social behaviour.”

Cllr Dave Harling, executive member for schools and education, said: “As part of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planned programme of maintenance and improvement and following health and safety concerns from the two Audley primary schools and users, it has been decided to upgrade the schools’ facilities with a Sport England approved playing surface.

“This will enable the schools to provide range of PE and sports activities for the children and the community.

“To enable the works to start, the current pitch will temporarily close at Easter and will reopen to community use once the works are complete during the summer term.

“The Space for Sports and Arts hall will remain open for community use,” he added.