A SHARES option is being offered by football chiefs in Blackburn as part of a scheme designed to maintain local pitches.

East Lancashire Football Development Association has been behind a £400,000 to improve seven pitches at Pleckgate.

Clubs are now being asked to invest in the location to generate between £25,000 and £50,000 for the likes of maintenance equipment, goals and corner flags.

Association chairman Bill Maynard said: “We’ve got the pitches in good nick but now need the finishing touches and are looking for help.”

Those investing would then own a stake in the pitches. Interest payments of 2.5 per cent are projected and the clubs, as well as enjoying a tax break, would see their money returned after 11 years.

The deadline is Monday, May 1. For more details visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/elfda.