Work has started this week to repair council-managed 3G sports pitches in Barrow.

Westmorland and Furness Council took over management of the pitches alongside Barrow Park Leisure Centre in January after terminating the contract with the previous operator.

This followed the closure of the pitches to the public in November last year.

Once the council had taken over the management of the facility an independent assessment of the condition of the pitches was commissioned to determine the extent of repairs required.

Following that assessment, contractors have now been engaged to carry out the necessary repairs to all the 3G pitches and started work on site this week.

A completion date for the work and a date for the full re-opening of the pitches have yet to be confirmed, but the intention is that the pitches will be open by the summer. The council is arranging discussions after Easter with clubs and groups who had been using the pitches prior to the closure, to keep them informed and to discuss future bookings.

A Westmorland and Furness Council spokesperson said: “Many sports clubs and groups made use of the pitches and the council has recognised the concern and anxiety that has been caused by the closure of the facilities.

“We are pleased that contractors have started work this week on repairs to allow the 3G pitches to re-open and we look forward to sharing more information about re-opening dates and meeting with clubs and groups over the coming weeks.’’

Anyone who would like to be kept informed about the re-opening or to discuss future use of the pitches can email sportandleisure@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk