FOOTBALL pitches at Prospect Park are getting a make-over.

Reading Borough Council have given plans the go ahead to refurbish the current 3G pitches.

The courts are having their first facelift since being opened in 2007 to improve playing experience and secure the future of the site.

It is hoped that after the new turf is laid the pitches won't interrupt 5-a-side games with pitch closure for maintenance for foreseeable future.

Councillor Paul Gittings, lead councillor for Culture, Sport and Consumer Service, said: “The provision of modern and readily accessible facilities is vital in ensuring participation in sport and physical activity. Through the modernisation of these facilities we hope to see an increase in participation in sport, and will be a further step towards delivering a better quality of life for the residents of Reading.”

The new turf is durable, safe and will provide an all year-round surface for games in all weathers.

The pitches will be closed from May 8 for five weeks whilst they are resurfaced to avoid peak football season.

Regular hirers of the pitch will be offered alternative pitches during the refurbishment.