A Newtownabbey school is pitching for support for a new-look, all-weather pitch to be constructed.

The innovative project would allow members of the wider community to benefit from use of the proposed football pitch being planned for the Edmund Rice College site in Glengormley.

The College wishes to convert its all weather shale football pitch, which is now 30 years old, into a top class modern facility that will serve pupils, and also be accessible to residents of the borough.

The College wrote to Newtownabbey Borough Council seeking their support as partners in developing a modern football pitch on its property.

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The council's Development Committee has been lobbied by the school and has agreed to support the project "in principle".

An appropriate brief must now be agreed with the College, and quotations sought to appoint a suitable firm of consultants to progress the site survey and business plan/economic appraisal.

Members were made aware that supporting the College in such a partnership approach could attract external sources of funding.

Furthermore, the College offered the Council the opportunity to act as lead partner in the joint venture. However, members were advised that because the College is the landowner, it must also be the lead partner.

Councillor Janet Crilly said that this kind of venture was the way forward. "It has certainly worked very well in Ballyclare where the school uses the facility during the day and the community by night," she stated.

Councillor Noreen McClelland also agreed that there "was merit in the plans".

"There are few such facilities in the area and I would welcome such a move which would have benefits for the schools in the area, and the local community," she stated.

(BMcC)