A NEW all weather grass pitch opened at Grange Leisure Centre at the weekend.

The first team to use the new facility, which is part of a £1m facelift oF the centre in Grange Drive, was Stratton Juniors Football Club.

The pitch was installed by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council. The floodlighting will be connected during January when Swindon Town Football Club will be using the facility for their goalkeeper training.

Nigel Chalk, chairman of finance at Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, said: “Ironically Stratton Juniors FC may not have a ground next season as their current ground at Kingsdown, owned by the school, is due to be redeveloped into a housing estate.”

Club chairman Nigel Dearsley said: “It is what is needed in the area, giving the young players somewhere to play, especially during very wet or frosty weather.”

The refurbishment also included the redecoration of the Grange Bar and the Stratton suite, a 120-seat function room used for weddings and other local events.