PHOTO: Belper Town directors, David Winterbotham, Dave Laughlin, Andy Carter and Ian Woodward are pictured below a signboard advertising the imminent arrival of the 3G training area.

The project was given the go ahead by the local planning authority this week and brought to a conclusion an intense period of planning and negotiation.

The new pitch, which will have a state-of-the-art surface, will be located on the existing training area at the river end of the stadium and will enable the club to become totally self-sufficient in terms of its facilities.

Construction of the 70m x 30m sized pitch should commence in August and, if conditions allow, the project should be completed within an eight week timetable.

The Nailers have taken the opportunity of utilising the funds raised from their successful Emirates FA Cup run last season, to part fund the new development and which will provide a lasting memory of their exploits in the competition that culminated in nearly 5,800 fans attending their cup tie at Notts County.

Commenting of the project, Club chairman Ian Woodward, said, “We have ambitious plans for the club and we aim to ensure that investment in facilities at the Raygar Stadium mirror our plans for progress on the field.

“We are still finalising one or two elements of the scheme but we expect to make a start within the next four weeks so that we can make the most of our enforced break from competitive football.”