PLANS for a new artificial grass pitch at Leasowe Leisure Centre have been given the green light.

Set to be built on the field next to the centre's car park, the pitch will be able to host three simultaneous seven-a-side games or an 11-a-side game.

The total cost of the pitch will be £795,000.

Cabinet member for leisure Cllr Phill Brightmore said: “This investment by the council, totalling £795,000, shows yet again how Wirral is focused on finding ways to develop and improve our leisure services.

“Junior football participation has grown rapidly in the last 10 years, including boys’ and girls’ grass root teams, and the aim is to create a centre of excellence for girls’ football in the region.

“As well as responding to increasing demand for football pitches this will also support our efforts to encourage more people to exercise from an earlier age and stay healthy for longer.”

Approved by the Football Association, the new 3G pitch includes spectator areas and free car parking.

It is hoped that Junior and Youth leagues from across Wallasey will benefit from being able to access the facility throughout the year reducing the number of match and training cancellations.