BUSINESSES in Rossendale are being urged to dig deep in a bid to secure a £156,000 sports facility.

Plans for an astro-turf pitch at Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall, are being spearheaded by Manchester United and England soccer star Phil Neville and his wife Julie. They have already donated £25,000 towards the cost. The Football Foundation has also pledged to fund 65 per cent of the costs, sports organisations in the Valley have donated £4,000 and businessman Bob Killelea, of James Killelea and Co, Crawshawbooth, has provided a further £1,000.

But the scheme needs another £12,000 before it can get off the ground. Nick Pilling, Rawtenstall ward councillor, said: "We need local businesses to dig deep to help raise the final amount.

"The development is something we have wanted for many years and will provide great benefit to young people living in the area."

The astro-turf pitch will replace a grass pitch, which is often waterlogged because of drainage problems.

The development will include floodlights and changing rooms as well as new drainage pipes and fencing. It will be open to the public at all times free of charge and can be used for a number of sports, including hockey.