Four new 3G pitches are to be created in West Lothian, it has been announced.

The facilities will be developed next year and will be installed at Broxburn Academy, Fauldhouse Partnership Centre, New Murrayfield Park and Xcite Linlithgow.

West Lothian Council is providing significant capital investment for the projects, while Xcite and New Murrayfield Park are also being supported by sportscotland's Sports Facilities Fund and the Cashback for Communities Fund. In addition, Xcite is also providing funding for the facility in Linlithgow.

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Work on the pitches is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2015/16 football and rugby season next year.

John McGinty, Leader of West Lothian Council, said: "The new pitches will be available for football, rugby and community use. I'm sure that the news will be welcomed by all of the communities and the local teams who will be using them."

Robin Strang, Chief Executive of West Lothian Leisure, added: "We will start a programme of works soon and plan that all fourteen surfaces will be replaced by May 2015.

"I am also delighted that a funding package has been approved to build a full size third generation synthetic turf pitch at Xcite Linlithgow. Local sports clubs have been asking for this facility for some time so I'm pleased that together with the Council, sportscotland, the Scottish Rugby Union and the Scottish FA we are able to deliver it."

(JP/IT)