PLANS for a £2.2m sports hall at Woodchurch, combined with a series of schools' astro-turf pitches, has underscored Wirral council's commitment to encouraging local children to achieve greater fitness.

The sports hall will be built adjacent to Woodchurch High School and will replace the existing sports barn which is nearing the end of its lifespan.

The complex is part of a £4.3m package of schemes funded by the government's New Opportunities fund. It includes new astro-turf pitches for Oldershaw and Weatherhead Schools in Wallasey and a linked project with Park High School, Birkenhead.

The funding will also provide for specialist work to be carried out at the council's outdoor adventure project at Llanrwst in North Wales.

The sports hall will be run by the school and its facilities will be available to local schools and the general public.

Facilities will include six sports courts catering for badminton, cricket, football and basketball; changing rooms and a reception area.

Jim Lester, Wirral council's senior cultural services inspector, said: "We want to encourage children to be more sports minded and to continue interest into their adult lives.

"There is a national problem of child obesity which is obviously linked with a decrease in sporting activity."

With the granting of planning permission work on the sports hall will start this summer with completion scheduled for April next year.

Woodchurch Sports Barn - originally a major part of the old Birkenhead Market - will be demolished once the new structure is built.