Work to restore Peel Football Club’s pitch to a safe standard began at the start of the week.

The westerners have been unable to play on their pitch this season after glass was found after work was carried out last summer, meaning the Sunset City side have been forced to play ’home’ games at Colby’s Station Fields ground.

In a statement on the club’s website, Peel said: ’The contractors for the pitch remediation works began work at the Douglas Road ground on Monday, with stage one being the removal of a four-inch layer of the pitch surface.

’Soil is then being imported from the UK to be relaid on the pitch after which it will be reseeded. This is estimated to be done over a six-week period.

’The project will be undertaken by UK specialist firm Pugh Lewis, overseen by Matt Young of TGMS, who is being assisted on-island by Mike Atherton.

’The club are very pleased that local firms JCK Ltd and Manx Independent Carriers have significant roles to play in the works and carriage of materials.

’The works will mean that the club’s grounds and car park will be closed at certain times - please respect these closure notices as it is important that there are no delays caused by vehicles obstructing deliveries and works, and also the club has everyone’s safety in mind.

’Access is being arranged to the sports hall, although the charity running the hall are considering if there will be certain times when it may be appropriate to close - they will communicate separately on this point.

’The target remains for the pitch to be available again by September/October, for which we will need favourable weather during the summer months.

’Thanks again go to Colby AFC for their very generous hospitality and exceptional facilities, and to Mike Atherton for his continued advice on the works.

’With regard to the stand, we remain in the hands of the steel firm who it was hoped would have completed by now.

’We’ll update members on this aspect of development when we are updated by the steel firm.’