CLUBS, groups or organisations interested in managing the operation of Barrow Council’s football pitches and changing rooms are being invited to submit expressions of interest.

The council is searching for a partner who would be willing to take on the lease of the facilities at Biggar Bank, Walney and/or Schneider Road, Ormsgill, and operate them for the good of the local sporting community.

The lease will include responsibility for the maintenance of the football pitches, including grass cutting and pitch marking, taking bookings for games and organising the operation of, and paying the utility costs of, the changing room buildings.

The council will continue to provide building maintenance and can provide grounds maintenance advice and support if required. The provider will be able to retain all pitch hire income.

Keith Johnson, the council’s assistant director for community services said: “This is an exciting opportunity possibly for an established local football club or other sports organisations to support grassroots football by taking on the management of these under-used facilities. Until very recently, management of these facilities lay with the Barrow Playing Fields User’s Association. They handed back the lease earlier in the Autumn and since then the council’s leisure partner, Life Leisure, has been providing the service.

“The council is grateful for the work the playing fields user’s association has done over a number of years, but is now seeking a long-term partner, or partners, to undertake this activity."

Anyone interested in the prospect are invited to apply via The Chest procurement portal at www.the-chest.org.uk from October 21 until November 4. For more info call 01229 876501.