WORK has been completed on a £340,000 scheme to build new changing facilities at playing fields used by three amateur teams.

To mark the successful build, East Bierley Community Sports Association is holding a grand opening event on Saturday.

The event will take place between 10am and 6pm at the Hunsworth Lane site and it is hoped that the local community will get involved with the ongoing project.

Ed Filtness, of EBCSA, told the Telegraph & Argus: “With the build completed and the finishing touches being added, the hard work and effort which we’ve been through over the last few years to get us to this position all seems well worth it.

“The knowledge that we have now secured the future of our community’s ability to engage in sport is something which we’re hugely proud of.

“The new changing rooms and updated facilities will hopefully get more of our community active which is one of the main goals of EBCSA.”

The site is home to Birkenshaw Bluedogs, Hunsworth AFC and East Bierley AFC. The groups combined to create EBCSA in an effort to improve East Bierley playing fields and its run-down changing facilities.

Work began in October on the project, which is part-funded by a 20-year £175,000 loan, and a long-term lease from Kirklees Council has also been secured.

The group has also secured a £125,000 grant from Sport England and the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, which will go towards the cost of building the new facilities. In addition, a grant of £40,300 has been received from Kirklees Council through the New Homes Bonus.

The opening event on Saturday is a chance for people to look round the new facilities and get involved.

Special guest Lizzie Jones, the wife of the late Keighley Cougars rugby player Danny Jones, will be officially opening the site.

In addition there will be various stalls and sporting events running throughout the day.

Mr Filtness said: “Repaying the loan which we took out to bridge the funding gap for the build is now one of our key objectives.

“We need to be able to fulfil our financial obligations so we’re asking everyone who attends to help out by sponsoring a brick which costs £30.

“You’ll get a personalised plaque which will be fixed to the changing room as a permanent reminder of who has pledged their support.”

For more information visit ebcsa.co.uk.