THE multi-sports area at the Tim Parry Recreation Ground in Great Sankey is set for a £55,000 upgrade.

Funding for the improvements has been awarded through a £40,000 grant by WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental) and a £15,000 investment from the parish council.

The improvements will include installation of two new enclosed goals with rebound fencing, tarmac skim re-surfacing, new line markings for football, basketball and cricket, a new path way linking the current pedestrian path to the multi-sports area and the relocation of existing basketball posts.

In addition, Great Sankey Parish Council is paying for six new lighting columns, which will border the multi-sports area allowing children access to the sports facility during the winter months.

The lighting columns will operate on a timer system from 4pm until 9pm.

New seating will also be installed, along with the relocation of two benches that were previously situated near the entrance to the ground.

Peter Watson, chairman of Great Sankey Parish Council said: "Thanks to the grant award from WREN we can upgrade the multi-sports area and install lighting columns. Both of these will improve the sports facility and increase usage of the MUGA."

Work is scheduled to commence in the autumn.