PEOPLE that live close to a site earmarked for new football facilities costing millions of pounds can expect to get a first glimpse soon of what they will look like.

Tim Ashcroft, chairman of Winsford Residents' Steering Group, told the Guardian that a public consultation will follow after survey work is finished on land at Knights Grange outdoor sport complex.

That could be before the end of next month.

"Like most we've been impatient to see the project progress," he said.

"However planning and design does take time and in reality it was only after a decision was made where to put the development that detailed work could start.

"And that was little more than three months ago."

He said that members of the group, set up to give an opinion to Cheshire FA on a scheme the governing body has claimed will create jobs and attract visitors to the town, had seen a masterplan evolve quickly.

However it is now almost ready to publish for the first time.

Mr Ashcroft said: "There have been several versions with things needing to change in response to the landscape, geology and local wildlife.

"And of course we are always conscious of the potential impact on residents.

"The public consultation is an opportunity for everybody to comment and perhaps suggest things that haven't been thought of just yet."

A planning application will follow after the consultation is finished.

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In addition to a 3,000 capacity stadium Vision 20/20, as it has been branded, includes on its wish-list a luxury hotel and spa, three 3G pitches – one of them covered – high-spec outdoor pitches and a sports medicine facility.

It had initially been earmarked for Northwich, but Cheshire FA said it could not find enough space there to fit everything in.

“We’re passionate about making this development a success not only for us but for Winsford and those that live there,” said Stuart Manifould, who is directing the project.