Football complex approved for village

Plans for the new Merseyside football complex have been approved

A football complex, including a 3G pitch and viewing areas, is set to be built in a village which the council said had a "lack of training facilities".

Knowsley Council's planning committee has approved a proposal to build the complex in Jubilee Park in the Merseyside village of Roby.

It will also include a development area, designed to accommodate youth sports pitches and training areas.

It will be used by Huyton Juniors FC which said it would make a huge difference to the club and local community.

In a report, Knowsley Council said: "The perception here is that a lack of training facilities prevents [football clubs] from establishing more teams.

“The proposed pitch has been designed for use by Huyton Juniors FC who it is proposed will manage this site under a long-term lease from Knowsley Council."

Steven Smith, who made a representation to the committee on behalf of Huyton Juniors FC, said: “The difference this project could make to our club and our local community cannot be underestimated.”

Council leader Graham Morgan said the project would make a positive difference to the area's public health.