OUTDOOR football pitches at a Wirral sports centre are being given a £200,000 upgrade.

The new high-tech "3G" surfaces will be open to the public next month at the Tennis Centre in Bidston, where outdoor playing areas first laid in 1994 have reached the end of their operational life.

Cash for the upgrade has been provided by Wirral Council, whose cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture Cllr Chris Meaden said: “Our record on sports facilities shows we are working hard to extend and expand what’s on offer with refurbishments taking place at Guinea Gap, Seacombe, and West Kirby leisure centre.

"This work has seen a big increase in the uptake of leisure memberships, helping ensure the service is on the right track to become more sustainable.

“The new 3G pitches have been created to the same standard as those at Guinea Gap, on which we already have received extremely positive feedback."

Work on the new pitches is expected to be completed in November.

Third Generation or "3G" is a surface created using synthetic fibres and rubber made to look like grass.

Unlike previous artificial surfaces the pitch does not contain sand so is far less likely to cause injury to the skin.

  • If your 11-a-side team is interested in playing home matches or training at Wirral Tennis Centre, telephone leisure manage Vikki Williams on 0151 666 4140 or email: vikkiwilliams@wirral.gov.uk.