North Lanarkshire Council's learning and leisure services committee have accepted a tender for the construction of an all-weather 3G sports pitch at the recreation ground adjacent to St Patrick's Primary School.

The tender, from Doe Sport (North) Ltd of Leven, was for £429,658.24, and was the lowest of seven. The work will comprise the construction of an all-weather synthetic pitch to replace the existing out-of-date red blaes pitch.

Councillor Jean Jones said she was pleased to see this scheme coming to fruition after years of hard work by local football clubs and the local councillors, particularly the late Francis Griffin.

Councillor Jim Logue, convener of learning and leisure services, added: "The improvements we are making at the recreation ground next to St Patrick's Primary School will bring benefits for the entire community. A new all weather 3G sports pitch will be installed, the lighting will be improved, new fencing work will be carried out and we plan to upgrade the pavilion.

"This enhanced facility is great news for the people of Kilsyth and demonstrates once again the commitment North Lanarkshire Council has to providing first class community facilities."

Colin McNiven, former chairman of KIlsyth Soccer Sevens, said the development was a major step forward in football provision for the town.