Plans unveiled for £250k floodlit all-weather pitch in the Black Country

Aston University is looking to create the modern facilities to replace the synthetic pitch at the site next to the West Bromwich Albion training ground in Great Barr on the Walsall and Sandwell border.

The project has been awarded £247,000 of funding through Sport England and will help expand the community sports programme run through the university.

Proposals for the project, which includes replacing lighting and upgrading fencing, have now been submitted to Walsall Council planners.

Subject to council planning approval, work on the new pitch is anticipated to start in early spring and be completed by mid-summer.

The university ,which has the outdoor recreation centre off Birmingham Road, is looking to increase the number of 14 to 25 year olds regularly participating in sport in the area.

The current surface has suffered from drainage and flooding problems, prompting the plans.

It is hoped competitive hockey associations from the Walsall, Sandwell and North Birmingham areas will join clubs in using the multi-use surface.

Bosses hope sports clubs in the area who have been struggling to find available, safe, good standard facilities to play matches throughout the week and schools will also be able to use the pitch.

Aston's director of sport, Mike Kirkman, said: "We recognise that we have an important role to play in encouraging students to live healthy, active lifestyles and to continue playing sport during their period of academic study.

"Our new pitch will help us deliver on that commitment while also enhancing the facilities on offer to the local community at this important sports venue."

"We will also make the new facilities available to local schools during and after the school day. Looking ahead, the nature of our sporting complex will provide us with the exciting opportunity to host major sporting events, on a regular basis."

The complex covers 48 acres and provides pitches for football, rugby, cricket, hockey and other sports.

It comes as leisure facilities across Walsall are being improved under multi-million pound schemes. Both Oak Park and Bloxwich leisure centres are being rebuilt under a £23 council initiative which

A further £1m is to be invested in the Gala Baths in the town centre and Darlaston swimming baths is also being lined up for a £150,000 makeover, subject to funding.