A new 3G Synthetic Turf Training pitch and associated floodlights is to be constructed in Burntisland, Fife.

The council approved planning permission for the proposal earlier this week.

Sportscotland previously confirmed funding for the project earlier this year, subject to planning approval.

The pitch will be built on land adjacent to the Beacon Leisure Centre and will be marked out for seven-a-side football on a 60m by 40m playing area. The pitch will be run by Fife Sport and Leisure Trust, which is also responsible for the nearby leisure centre. It will offer changing facilities for those using the pitch.

Fife council is investing £237,000 in the project, with almost £108,000 from sportscotland. Now that the project has planning permission, the works will be tendered and once a contractor is appointed, it will take around three months to completed. It is hoped the new pitch will be ready for use by the end of summer 2014.

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Chair of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee, Councillor Neil Crooks said: "Burntisland has been identified as one of Fife's Community Sports Hubs and it will be centred around the new 3G pitch. This is a great opportunity for the hub to really develop by bringing together the primary school, local sports clubs and organisations and boost the programmes offered by Fife Sport and Leisure Trust.

"Impoving health and wellbeing is a priority for Fife Council and it's important that we develop community facilities to offer people better access to sporting opportunities. This is a good example of that and Burntisland Sports Group have taken a very active role in championing this facility. They will play an important part in encouraging and assisting local customers, young or old and of all abilities, to use it.

"I know the ward members have also worked hard in developing this proposal with the local community and sports groups that run in the area. I look forward to seeing it being used by the people of Burntisland next year."

(JP/CD)