YOUNG Horwich footballers are kicking up a fuss over a long-running saga about changing facilities.

And tonight members of Horwich Town Juniors will be in their soccer kit and armed with posters and banners to lobby councillors at the town planning meeting, in a bid to gain support.

The youngsters, who play at Ridgmont Park, Horwich, have raised £5,000, with the help of their parents and the club, to provide a portable changing room on the site. But a year later are still waiting the go-ahead from Bolton Council.

The club runs three teams, under 13s, under 11s and under 10s, and league rules require them to provide changing facilities for youngsters over the age of 12.

Club secretary, Linda Mackey, said that a letter of intent was sent to Bolton Council and three possible sites were identified for the changing rooms.

"We raised the funds and picked our unit, a small vandal-proof construction, but over the last 12 months it has been delayed at various meetings," said Mrs Mackey.

Of the three sites chosen, there was an objection to one of them from a householder, the second site was near to the car park which was opposed by members of the nearby Masonic Lodge, and now the third is unsuitable because of a protected tree.

" We're not talking about taking the tree down. We just want our lads to be able to play football. We've worked so hard to raise money to kit three teams out and buy nets and balls and for the changing rooms. Next season we might have nowhere to play," said Mrs Mackey.

Mrs Mackey said that the pitch is situated on a slope and the council has also turned down an offer by a businessman who was prepared to level it at no cost to the club.

Last season one of the teams was voted the most sporting team in the Bury and Radcliffe League and Alistair Colshaw was goalkeeper of the year. The manager, David Mackey, was also chosen as the best under 13s manager.

Mrs Mackey said the boys have been busy making posters for tonight's peaceful protest and are hoping Horwich Town Council will support them. They already have support from many shopkeepers in the town who advertise in their programme.

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