TWO new sports pitches in Test Valley could be officially opened next month, it has been revealed.

It has been unveiled Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has started to take bookings from clubs for the new football season, but an official opening date may not be until early October.

The football pitches, run by TVBC, will also boast a community sports pavilion, 40 car parking spaces, a bicycle storage facility and a multi-use games area on the site, but it is not known when these facilities will be completed.

As reported, deputy leader for TVBC, Cllr Nick Adams-King, said the football pitches in Cutforth Way, Abbotswood, would be a "dog-free zone" in a bid to protect the pitches from being ruined.

Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents Romsey Cupernham on TVBC, said she was "looking forward to all the facilities" being completed, adding: "But, one of the things nobody could have anticipated was the previous firm working on the pitches went bankrupt; however we are on the last lap with getting everything sorted now.

"One of the things that worries me is some people seem to think it is not a playing field for young and older people, but for their dogs.

"The problem is people let their dogs off leads and this upsets other dogs and children, which is irresponsible dog ownership."

The previous Romsey town centre manager, Mark Edgerley, also told the Advertiser the work on the pitches had been "delayed," due to the company responsible for building the pitches going "bust".

He said: "Abbotswood was built by a consortium of different builders and as part of the development they had to provide certain facilities, so those sports pitches were part of that.

"The fact the company went bust meant this caused delays and what TVBC has done is finish the work."

It is not known which company went into administration.

When previously asked how much the football pitches have cost, TVBC could not confirm a figure.

To book one of the pitches, visit https://pitchbooking.com/partners/TESTVALLEY.