A HEADTEACHER is hoping plans are approved for a new state of the art 3G pitch at a Shoebury school to help get more people to take up sport.

Shoebury High School, in Caulfield Road, has submitted plans to Southend Council for the creation of a new artificial grass pitch.

Plans would also include perimeter fencing, a hardstanding area, a storage container, floodlights, and an access pathway.

Teri-Leigh Jones, headteacher at Shoebury High School, said the school is now waiting for approval and they hope if funding is agreed, it will be installed later this year.

She said: “We have submitted a bid for the 3G pitch. It is still in the bid stage, and we are waiting for approval.

“Subject to the funding being agreed, we are hoping that the pitch would be installed this calendar year.

“The benefits to the school and community would be huge – our students would have access to a high spec pitch, but it would mean that the community would be able to use it.

“We all know the benefits that access to high quality sports can bring, and it would be our aim to build even further links with community groups to grow access to sports in Shoebury and the Southend area.

“As a keen sportswoman myself, I am particularly excited about the possibility and the opportunities that it would bring.”

Staff will be on hand to open and close the facility and the pitch will be located on the grounds of the school site which has the added benefit of being well covered by CCTV cameras.

In addition to the routine maintenance, a specialist maintenance contract will be in place which will see contractors attend the site at least four times a year to provide specialist maintenance, provide additional support, and to perform regular pitch inspections.

The playing surface will comprise a 3G artificial turf consistent with current Football Association requirements.

Planning documents say placing the pitch at the school is a “sensible solution” in light of a shortage in the area.

Southend Council will have the final say.