A PROJECT which has seen renovations take place at a Three Towns football ground has now been completed.

Winton Park has been handed over to the new leaseholders - Ardrossan Community Sports Hub and a number of teams and clubs will pay to use the pitch, with any profits put back into the community via the charity.

The upgrade has brought some wholesale changes, with the most obvious being the replacement of the old grass park with a new synthetic pitch.

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Not only will this allow for more matches to be played over the winter months, training can now take place on the park on a more regular basis.

Having passed a FIFA test earlier this week, the park is now ready for action - with a behind closed doors match between Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Dalry Thistle 'christening' the pitch.

(Image: Staff)

Also amongst the major developments are the addition of new floodlights, and delivery of new modular changing units.

(Image: Staff)

The facility is now ready to serve the local community, with all teams from across the area free to use the surface if available.

Those behind the project have also been grateful to copious locals, and RJ McLeod, who have donated their time to preparing the park for use once again.

More information on booking the park is available online at ardrossancsh.org/football-pitch-home/ or by emailing pitch@ardrossancsh.org.

The new-look Winton Park will be officially opened on Sunday, November 17, with an open day planned to take place.

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Ardrossan Winton Rovers girls and ladies teams will take centre stage on the day - with doors open from 10.30am when the teams will be piped in by Largs Boys Brigade.

Matches featuring the club's under 12, 14 and 16s teams will commence from 11am before the ladies play at 4pm to round off the action. The food stand and bar will be open throughout the event.

Ardrossan Winton Rovers first team will then play their first competitive match on the surface on Tuesday, November 19 - a Scottish Junior Cup tie against Bo'ness United.

(Image: Staff)

The improvement works should also help the West of Scotland Football League side towards long-term aims of becoming SFA licensed.

It is hoped that the new look Winton Park will also open up further opportunities for the community to use the ground.

Plans are in place to commence walk and talk sessions, walking football and football memories sessions.

While it is hoped that local youngsters will be able to use the surface from 4-5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, free of charge.

To help drive this initiative, it is hoped that a 'boot box' will soon be launched to allow locals to donate their old football boots for youngsters to use - so no one misses out.

Community groups are also encouraged to enquire about using the park during quieter hours - from Monday-Friday between 9am-5am.