GRASSROOTS football is set to make a welcome return to Rishton after £280,000 plans to improve pitches there were unveiled.

Norden Playing Fields — built on a former tip, scrapyard and railway line to Great Harwood — was converted into two football pitches in 1989, although they have been “unplayable” in recent years.

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In its latest budget documents, the council agreed to give £75,000 to complement £205,000 of external funding to “develop” the pitches, used by Rishton United Football Club.

The club has around 150 players from under-sevens to adults. United chairman Chic Kelly said the club has been forced outside the town for the last two seasons because the playing fields were not fit to play on.

He said: “They are not fit for purpose. If we get heavy rain for two or three days, there will be quite a few puddles.”

The club, which plans to lease the land from the council, said work will include digging up the 11-a-side pitches, improving drainage, and levelling them. Pitches for small-sided games will be created too.

Mr Kelly said: “We have spent around two years trying to raise the funds. We estimate it will cost around £250,000 to do it.”

The council grant has to go before two sub-committees, Mr Kelly said. £50,000 has already been secured from Sport England, money is being sought from the Lancashire Football Association, and the club is searching for a further £100,000.

Rishton United, Lancashire FA Community Charter Standard Club of the Year for 2012-13, has a history dating back more than 100 years.

Ken Moss, town councillor and parks and leisure boss, said the club’s plans also include fencing and changing rooms.

He said: “This has been on the back-burner for years. Rishton United have put the business plan together and are trying to pull the funding together. We are supportive of it but we cannot afford to fund it all.”