AFTER more than three years of negotiations work is to start on a project to provide Chatteris with an all weather pitch and pavilion.

Deputy mayor of Chatteris Councillor Florence Newell will cut the first sod of turf on January 24 to mark the start of the �1.2m contract.

The full-size floodlit synthetic pitch and purpose built changing rooms will be on the Cromwell Community College site. A new access road and car parking is also included.

Cllr Newell said she was “ecstatic” that the pitch was becoming a reality. She said: “It has taken three and a half years but I will feel even better when we eventually get a swimming pool.

“I am sure the pitch will be very well used as football in Chatteris is very well supported and I am sure the teams will be very pleased.”

The project is due to be completed in July in readiness for the next football season. Chatteris Town Council has put �500,000 into the scheme and the Football Foundation has also given a grant.

Significant contributions have also come from Cambridgeshire County Council, Fenland District Council and Cromwell Community College.

The new facilities will provide a combined educational and community facility and a football development plan has already been agreed with the county council.

The pitch and changing rooms is the first stage of the town council’s plan to see an improvement in the town’s leisure facilities. Negotiations are already underway for the second stage to provide a �1.1m fitness suite, also for community use. The work will be done in partnership with Fenland District Council and in conjunction with other building work at the college.