A FOOTBALL pitch in West Kilbride which had previously been left unusable has now re-opened.

The small 'kickabout' area within the Kirktonhall Glen has once again welcome young footballers after work to improve the area was undertaken.

North Ayrshire Council helped complete the project in partnership with the Friends of Kirktonhall Glen (FOKG) - who were boosted by a funding grant from the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.

The pitch was officially re-opened earlier this week - with some of the village's youngest footballers taking part in the first session on the new turf.

(Image: Submitted)

FOKG’s chair, Brian Lennox, said: "It was great to see the superb condition of the small pitch this morning after the extensive drainage works, the new turf and having the markings in place.

"Thanks to all involved in bringing the project to fruition especially AllGrass (Scotland) Ltd and John McNeish."

FOKG - who help bring together a range of organisations committed to the development and enhancement of the Glen - are hoping this is just the first of many improvements coming soon.

Other projects already underway include the local amateur side working hard to ensure the quality and security of their home pitch.

The village sports club are also hoping to secure funding which will allow them to build a grass pitch on the current disused blaes area.

They are also pushing the local authority to provide lighting between Glen Road and the sports complex so that when play is taking place under floodlights at the tennis courts, or on the proposed new grass pitch, there will be safe access for players and spectators.