A PROPOSED £550,000 all-weather pitch in Royston could soon move a step closer to reality. A planning application is set to be submitted for the pitch, which will be located at The Meridian School. Project organiser Mike Thrower said: We are almost read

A PROPOSED £550,000 all-weather pitch in Royston could soon move a step closer to reality.

A planning application is set to be submitted for the pitch, which will be located at The Meridian School.

Project organiser Mike Thrower said: "We are almost ready to submit the planning application."

He said Johnson Mathey had pledged up to £10,000 to cover the cost of making the application.

"If this is successful then we will be able approach other bodies, such as the Football Foundation, for funding," he said.

Mr Thrower told The Crow that plans will be submitted for a full-size pitch marked out for football and hockey.

It will be developed on a site at The Meridian School near to the A505.

He said: "Last week we had a positive community action group meeting, which was attended by representatives of all the parties involved, including North Herts District Council.

"The district council will provide £50,000 worth of funding, while the Meridian School is also contributing £50,000.

"There's a little way to go yet, but I'm confident the project will go ahead. It's been a long time coming," he said.

If planning permission is granted, it is hoped the project will be completed by September 2009.

As reported in The Crow last year, Johnson Mathey Sports and Social Club has promised to give £150,000 towards the cost of the project