Swindon Borough Council (SBC) has confirmed that work has started on the construction of new football facilities at the town's Croft Sports Centre.

Existing outdoor pitches are to be transformed as part of the £1.5m scheme, with a floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch and five youth pitches to be created. Two mini grass pitches and cricket facilities are also included as part of the project, which has received £224,470 from the Football Foundation.

The Football Association has also contributed £150,000, with SBC to make up the balance using Section 106 funding. SBC cabinet member for leisure and corporate services Fionuala Foley said: "This development will benefit so many people and will transform our existing football facilities.

"This investment will also guarantee the long-term future of sports facilities at Croft."