WORK is being completed to build a football club’s new home after a 15-year wait.

Great Harwood Rovers’ new ground is being constructed at Heymoor Farm, after plans for new houses were approved for its current home at the nearby Lyndon Playing Fields in Harwood Lane.

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The new pitch is currently being turfed and having drainage added and it is estimated the facilities will be ready to use by next summer.

Work started in June after plans were approved by Hyndburn Council and club members have said the move will provide a boost for people all over the borough.

Manager of development Andy Counsell said: “It’s been a bit of a long wait for us, we’ve been trying to get new pitches for 15 years. To finally see the work coming to fruition is great.

“The options become endless, you can’t develop as a club without proper facilities.

“You see in reports from the FA that facilities is the biggest thing that this country lacks in.

“People all over Hyndburn will get to use this and it’ll be great for kids, which is the main reason for it.”

The work is being carried out by Reilly Developments and Mr Counsell estimates that the cost for the work will be ‘a few hundred thousand’ pounds.

The new site will have four pitches made to Sport England specification with modern drainage installed to reduce the risk of flooding.

A 64-space car park will also be built to aid congestion in Harwood Lane and floodlights and changing facilities will be constructed. Chairman Craig Hall said: “I think we’re all getting a bit excited that it’s finally coming to fruition “It’s for the kids really, with the good firm ground we should get more kids to the club.

“That’s what it’s primarily for, to give children a game.”

Councillors in the area have also voiced their support for the work and the positive impact that it will have in the area, particularly for young children.

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward said: “I am delighted that work has started on the playing surfaces and that children have quality safe sports facilities and that we have protected the towns Green Belt in the process.

“It’ll be a worthwhile experience for young children and keen footballers everywhere in the area.”

A Landscape and Management and Maintenance Plan submitted by Urban Green Space on behalf of Reilly Development released last month detailed plans for the land.

It said: “The application site comprises a recreational development by Reilly Development Ltd. The key components of the proposed development are: four football playing pitches, a building which provides for changing facilities and associated car parking.