WORK has started on installing a drainage system on playing fields that have been plagued by flooding in the last several years.

Marsh Playing Fields, on Wigan Road, in Leigh, will benefit from the improvements which is expected to be completed in April.

Leigh West Cllr Myra Whiteside has been working with Wigan Council for the project to be given the green light.

She said: “I am proud the work is taking place.

"In recent years the pitches have been waterlogged for up to six months of the year.

There will be two rugby pitches and a football pitch once the work is done.

"A lot of obstacles have been overcome to get to where we are, including taking into account the needs of the great crested newts on the land.”