Hundreds of signatures have been gathered on a petition in support of a plan to develop an all-weather sports pitch on land at a secondary school.

Harpenden Colts have instigated the petition, which now has mores than 500 signatures, calling on St Albans district council to approve the planning application for Roundwood Park School which is due to go to committee on May 31.

The full-size all-weather artificial floodlit pitch, which would be used for multiple sporting activities, will serve not just the school but members of Harpenden Colts and the wider community.

It will enable both the school and the Colts to use a playing surface throughout the year - heavy rain this winter meant a lot of Colts games had to be postponed.

The Colts are also keen to stress the importance of the new pitch in the promotion of girls’ football. Colts girls football development coach, Simon King, said: “The full size, all weather pitch at Roundwood School, supported by the FA, will enable girls to enjoy the transition from inside play to outside. The location at Roundwood School will also remedy the challenges parents have of juggling other events.

“Initiatives like this are a great way to address some of the issues and provide a venue and hub for the community and help us continue our work to promote girls football.”

To sign the petition click here.