WORK is set to get underway tomorrow (Monday November 20) to create a sleek new 3G pitch at the Dell Stadium.

The modern all-new pitch will replace the existing 18-year-old artificial grass pitch in a £660,000 project which includes £550,000 of funding from The FA, The Football Foundation and £110,000 from Dudley Council.

Existing users of the facility have been temporarily relocated to other sites in the borough and the Saturday morning ParkRun has been suspended for the duration of the works, which should take around 12 weeks to complete.

The works are part of Dudley Council's playing pitch strategy - developed in partnership with Sport England and the Football Association - and the authority will be working closely with the Birmingham County FA to ensure locals and clubs get the most out of the new pitch.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This £660,000 investment, with the help of The FA will transform the pitch at the Dell for the benefit of all users.

"It forms part of our wider investment in leisure services, showing our commitment to providing quality leisure facilities for our residents.”

Any booking enquires for the new pitch should be made to area manager Steve Gay by emailing steve.gay@dudley.gov.uk.