THE COST of building three multi-purpose sporting facilities for the town’s youngsters has risen by a staggering £100,000.

Residents had hoped the long-awaited kick pitches – earmarked for Middleton Junction, Boarshaw and Rhodes – would be up and running by the end of last year.

But is has now been revealled that the cost of the project has spiralled by 40 per cent.

Despite the increase, Middleton Township insist providing the three kick pitches is still a top priority.

Peter Williams, chair of Middleton Township, said: "The matter of the increased cost is under investigation by the chief executive following my intervention and is not final, but the township will still be honouring the commitments to develop the youth facilites."

An application for match funding was put to the Middleton Fair Share Panel, part of the local Lottery group, at the end of 2006.

The Lottery also sent an inspector out to look at all three areas last autumn.

Tom Hawley, Fair Share fund co-ordinator for the Community Foundation, said: "The situation at the moment is we did receive costs from Rochdale Council and we are looking into why the costs have increased. The panel is fully supportive of the project."

But the news has left many residents reeling and unsure about the future of the promised facilities.

Connie Jameson, who has been demanding action for years over King V playing fields – one of the sites picked for the kick pitches, is outraged by the latest development.

"I feel for the kids, I really do. I think it’s disgusting.

"It's the kids right to have playing facilities. They have been looking forward to having a kick-pitch for years."

Janet Watson, Middleton Township manager said getting the pitches up and running was a ‘township priority’.

"Following an update of the costings there appears to have been a 40 per cent increase, which would mean an extra £100,000 is needed. At this stage the figures are being clarified and we will look at all available options to ensure this project goes ahead – it is a Township priority," she said.

As well as football, the kick pitchs are expected to provide for a wide range of sports including basketball, netball and cricket. They will also be flood lit to allow young people to play after school.

There are also plans for tournaments to be held on the sites.