A DERELICT site will soon be filled with action-packed sport as an exciting £1m renovation project kicks off.

The former coal stockyard in Hutchinson Street is being reclaimed and turned into a rugby pitch for the West Bank community and its amateur rugby league club.

Cllr Ted Gleave, who has been instrumental in securing the development, said: "I am absolutely delighted that this scheme is coming to fruition and that the people of West Bank and the amateur rugby league club will have somewhere to call their own."

Contamination will be treated and the site, beside the bridge, made safe. A pitch turf will be laid, ready for games to commence.

An all weather pitch, clubhouse and changing rooms will hopefully be provided by lottery funding.

Paul Farrell, of West Bank amateur rugby league club, said: "It is the beginning of a new era for the club. Many obstacles have had to be overcome to arrive at this point. The club would like to praise the tenacity of Halton Council's officers and elected representatives."

The project has been funded by the North West Development Agency (NWDA) and WREN.

Chris Koral of NWDA, said: "This facility will enable the club to compete at the highest levels of the game, bringing more recognition to Halton from the sporting world."