WORK to create a football club’s new £300,000 home ground is nearing completion.

Last year, Hyndburn Council granted Rishton United a 25 year lease for Norden Recreation Ground, allowing the club to redevelop the ground and protect Norden Valley Playing Fields in Rishton for future generations of football players.

The move enabled the club to establish this land as their home ground and apply for funding from Sport England and the Lancashire Football Association, who require a twenty-five year lease as an essential part of any funding application.

Funding for the £306,000 refurbishment scheme has also come from Lancashire Environmental Fund, Newground Together and Tesco’s ‘Bags of Help’ fund with a contribution being made by Hyndburn Council.

Drainage and levelling works to the grass areas has allowed more pitches to be created, while a new fence installed around the pitches will prevent horses and motorbikes damaging the playing surface.

The work has also included a seating area for visitors and spectators and improved access paths.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of the council, said" “We are committed to helping local communities access quality sporting facilities and so it’s great to see to see this project for Rishton nearing completion. It will not only provide the town’s football club with a home ground, but it will also help develop and inspire the next generation of footballers in the area.”

Club chairman Chic Kelly added: “We are really excited to see the project progressing and finally bringing local grass roots football back to Rishton.

"Our teams have had to travel across the borough to play matches and attend training so this will be welcomed by everyone to have our own home ground.

"Whilst we’ve spent seven years on this project there’s still some fund raising to organise to ensure we complete phase two and provide changing facilities and a club house.”

Martin Proffit of Proffitts, Investing in Communities, said: “We’ve been working with the club on this idea since 2012. Together we have overcome many hurdles to get to the stage we are at today. With thanks to the funders involved Rishton United can now provide a great place to train and play for the benefit of many teams throughout Hyndburn for many years to come”.