Westmorland and Furness Council will be taking over the management of a 3G pitch sports facility in Barrow.

The contract with the current operator has been terminated and from January 2024 the pitches alongside Barrow Park Leisure Centre will revert to council control.

The pitches were closed to the public last month.

The council has commissioned an independent assessment of the condition of the pitches to determine the extent of repairs required.

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

“We will be taking over management of the facilities from January and we are keen to reach out to anyone who has been using the pitches and to those clubs and groups with regular bookings to contact us.

“We have set up an email at sportandleisure@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk for you to get in touch so we can discuss your situation.

“The council was made aware last month that a decision had been taken by the operator to close the 3G pitches at its Barrow facility.

“The council owns the facility but was not involved in the decision to close.

“Following discussions with the contractor, it has now been agreed to terminate the current contract.

“The council is now arranging for a full independent assessment of the condition of the pitches.”