FOOTBALL pitches plagued by vandalism and anti-social behaviour are due to reopen nearly a year after the council took over their management.

Westmorland and Furness Council said it had carried out repair work to the astroturf pitches at Barrow Park after they were damaged by youths.

The council terminated a contract with previous operator Pulse Soccer last year after the facility closed to the public in November. 

It now says it is ready to welcomed back sports clubs who use the facilities.

According to the council, repairs have been performed on the 3G pitches, netting and boards, as well as internal improvements to the reception building.

Bosses at the centre previously said boards designed to keep people out were being knocked down on a daily basis, with youths often seen on the pitches after hours.

A number of successful junior ‘Turn Up and Play’ sessions, in conjunction with Barrow Park Leisure Centre and Furness Youth Work partnership, were held at the pithces during the school summer holidays, the council said.

Now the holidays have finished, sports clubs and those who block-book regular slots are able to make bookings to use the facilities.

The council said it has been meeting with clubs and groups that have previously used the 3G pitches to update them on the repair programme and to understand their future requirements once the pitches were available for bookings.

There is due to be a phased approach to the re-opening of the pitches following the summer holidays and the council be inviting feedback from clubs and regular users during the period to ensure the facility is running in a way that best serves the community.

Following this first phase, the council will share further updates for bookings of one-off sessions.

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “The pitches are a popular facility and we’re delighted they are now available again for booking by clubs and regular users.

“We look forward to sharing more information about the process for one-off bookings in due course.”

Clubs can enquire about block bookings by contacting sportandleisure@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.