Work starts on synthetic pitch

WORK has started on a new, state-of-the-art synthetic pitch at Warrington’s Birchwood High School.
Warrington Wolves first team coach Jimmy Lowes, director of youth development John Bastian and player performance manager Ben Lazenby were on hand to lift the first piece of turf to mark the start of work – watch by pupils, staff and civic dignitaries.
The third generation synthetic pitch, constructed by Thornton Contracts, will be the first of its’ kind in Warrington.
It will provide full size soccer and hockey pitches, a junior rugby league pitch and three training pitches.
All will be used by the school and the local community.
The school recently announced its’ partnership with Warrington Wolves to locate the club’s scholarship programme at the school from September.
The construction marks the first phase of a multi-million £ investment by the Learning and Skills Council which will culminate in the opening of a new post-16 learning centre, Birchwood College, in September next year.
Liz Davies, Area Director for the LSC, congratulated the school on the success that had led to the LSC making the investment in its future.
Headteacher Anne Bright said: “For 24 years this school has served the Birchwood community and families in the east of Warrington. In that time the school’s reputation and performance have gone from strength to strength through the hard work and commitment of the school’s leaders, governors and staff. Today we are here to mark the creation of a new resource which will bring huge benefits to learners and community members for years to come.”
Picture: Birchwood High pupils pose for the turf-cutting ceremony.