Schools to push ahead with 3G pitch plan

The £250,000 project, which was first mooted almost five years ago, was shelved by the North Eastern Education and Library Board earlier this year amid concerns over the business plan relating to the running of the facility and the potential financial risk to the budgets of both schools.

Following a meeting of school governors, local politicians and community representatives on Friday morning (October 5), it was agreed to pursue the provision of a 3G pitch in the area, for use by pupils of the High School, Whitehouse Primary and the wider community.

Representatives at the meeting discussed how the schools might get the long-awaited project back on track and secure the necessary funding now that the £250,000 which had been allocated to the scheme is no longer available from Sport NI.

It was agreed that other key funders such as Belfast Regeneration and Neighbourhood Renewal will be approached to explore other potential avenues of financial or other support.

The Times understands that a working party from the two schools will reconvene before the half term break to consider the way forward.