A PITCH battle has ended in an extra time triumph for campaigners after North Ayrshire Council agreed to spend £16,000 resurfacing the Garrison's 'patchwork' pitch.

The council have footed the bill from their general account which means that youngsters will be able to safely use the all-weather 3G facility - the only one of its kind on the island.

Cumbrae Community Council went to war to have the repairs carried out after Morton midfielder Chris Millar and Radio Scotland reporter Chick Young blasted the state of the pitch.

Millport minister Jonathan Fleming also hit out, saying the facility needed 'divine intervention'.

The pitch was patched up by the local authority but this only made it more uneven in places. But a year after the matter was raised, the council have finally agreed to carry out the necessary upgrade.

Dave Mackay, team manager for physical environment at NAC, said: "This work will see the playing surface replaced, along with minor ancillary works that are required.

"The contractor will commence on Monday and works should be completed by 4 October.

"Elements of this may be weather dependent though it is hoped this can be accommodated within the timescale.

"The contractor will be responsible for securing entry to the facility through the duration of these works and there can be no permitted access or use during this time."

Kendra Lynch, who has been a fervent campaigner for improving the pitch surface, is delighted.

She said: "This is amazing news.

"I am very happy to hear that we have been heard and are having the astro fixed.

"This will have a huge impact and we are very grateful to receive this news.

"I just want to thank Mary Currie and the football team members who have helped me in pursuing this issue, and all the locals who have supported us.

"We have finally had our calls heard and something is now being done."

"I know the local children can't wait to start training and playing on the new pitch when it is ready."

News football pundit George Wall, who was disgusted at the state of last year's patchwork repairs, said: "This is great news for the island. Sense has prevailed at last."