A JUNIOR football club had grounds for delight after scoring a hat-trick with its new facilities, courtesy of Bolton Council. Two pitches and changing rooms have been developed at the former St Cuthbert's RC Secondary School playing fields off Old Kiln Lane for the four teams run by Astley Bridge Junior FC. The Club used to play on council-owned land off Union Road in the Tonge Valley.

As part of the City Challenge scheme for the area, the land was exchanged for a 12 acre site owned by the nearby Beloit Walmsley company.

The exchange meant that industrial development of more than £4 million could go ahead, creating hundreds of jobs.

At that time Bolton Council promised to try to find new facilities for the club and the former school fields fitted the bill.

New changing rooms and pitches have been developed at the site, at a cost of £75,000.

Cllr Bob Howarth, leader of Bolton Council, said: "I'm delighted things have worked out so well and to be able to hand over these new facilities to the club.

"It means that the plans for the City Challenge area are able to go ahead creating 300 jobs and the club has scored with its new headquarters."

Mr Graham O'Brien, chairman of Astley Bridge Football Club, thanked the council and added that anyone interested in supporting the club can telephone him on 386568.

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