THE 3G pitch at Jenner Park is due to be complete in the coming weeks, with Barry Town United expected to be playing on their home ground before the end of October.

Barry Town United manager Gavin Chesterfield has said his players can't wait to run out on the new surface.

The 3G pitch saw its first piece of action last week when Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for leisure Gwyn John and Jane Hutt AM visited to take a look at the work in progress.

Installation of the pitch began earlier this summer and is central to an ambitious plan by the Vale of Glamorgan Council make the stadium financially viable and also get more people in the Vale playing sport.

After inspecting the pitch, Councillor John said: “The previous arrangements for managing Jenner Park were simply not sustainable in the current financial climate. With the cuts being imposed by MPs in Westminster biting deeper and deeper we could not continue to spend a six figure sum each year on maintaining the stadium.

“The easy decision would have been to simply close the doors to Jenner Park for good. Thankfully for all of those that value sport, the Vale of Glamorgan Council had the vision to develop a better facility and new way of managing it that will ensure this historic ground is used for generations to come.

“As promised we have retained the running track and we will shortly be refurbishing the athletics jumping areas to ensure that the stadium’s athletics facilities are of a high standard. Council officers are also examining alternative sites within the Vale for throwing events."

Also present was Barry Town United AFC manager Gavin Chesterfield who welcomed the new facility.

“I am lucky enough to have managed this great club for many years," he said. "And so I have been able to experience playing football in this fantastic stadium every other week.

“What really excites me about this project is that so many others from across the community will now be able to enjoy the feeling of running out here. I’m sure that just like my players, they cannot wait.”

As part of the same programme of work construction is soon to begin on four smaller five-a-side pitches at the Colcot Sports Centre.

Alongside the upgraded Jenner Park these pitches will provide a suite of surfaces within the Vale’s largest town that can be played on by all sections of the community 365 days a year.

The new pitch at Jenner Park is expected to host its first games before the end of October.

Local clubs and organisations who may wish to use this new facility can contact the Vale of Glamorgan Council on 01446 709371 for information.