CONSTRUCTION of a Wirral school's new 'sports barn' is due to start next week.

The stand-alone development at New Brighton Primary will provide a vital new facility for pupils to play sports all year round.

Outside school opening times it is intended to be made available for use by the local community members.

The project is expected to cost around £400,000. Work is due to be finished by early July.

Cllr Bernie Mooney, Wirral's cabinet member for children and families, said: "Recent years have seen the authority focus on bringing in revenue where possible to ensure we are able to not just continue providing crucial services which local people rely upon, but investing in projects such as this sports barn which will play a key role in communities across the borough.

"This sports barn is a vital development for the school to ensure children are able to participate in sports and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

“It is also our intention that the facility will be able to be used by the local community so that people of all ages are able to take part in sports and exercise in a high quality facility close to where they live.”