Last updated 19:41, Thursday, 27 March 2008

SPORT at an Aspatria school could be revolutionised if permission for an artificial pitch is granted next month.

The pitch, to replace a tennis court at the Beacon Hill Community School, would provide a boost for sport within the school and local community.

The school has submitted a revised planning application to Allerdale council, setting out improvements to access for emergency and delivery vehicles.

Head of PE Lynn Trussell said poor drainage meant their playing field became waterlogged and too muddy to play on each winter.

“Our fields are in quite a poor state,” she said. “An artificial pitch would mean that we could play football and other sports much more during the winter period.”

Beacon Hill was named Cumbria School of the Year by the Football Association and Ms Trussell hopes the artificial pitch will provide greater opportunities for all its sporting activities.

“We have youngsters that play for local clubs and one that plays in Carlisle youth team. But we support all of them the best we can and aim them towards clubs that can take them further,” she said.

Pupils, staff and parents have been busy fund-raising towards their target of £200,000 since the launch of their Astroturf appeal last year.

Youngsters have been taking part in bag packing at local supermarkets and the school is in talks with the FA for their support to complete the project.

Ms Trussell added: “We’ve also asked local football clubs to support us, but we’ve not heard anything back yet.”

It is planned that the pitch will be used by the school until 6pm, then hired out to community sports groups.

If planning permission is granted, it is expected that the pitch will be complete for the start of the new academic year in September.

Consultation on the application has begun and is due to end on March 31.