A GROWING sporting population and the success of Dunbar’s football club could mean the expansion of a popular sporting facility.

Hallhill Sports Centre could be expanded in time for the new season kicking off next year after plans were lodged with East Lothian Council.

The proposals would see the bar and seated area expanded out towards the rugby pitch.

Bobby Peters, manager at the facility off Kellie Road, said there was a growing need for the development.

He told the Courier: “Basically, the clubs in the town have got bigger than the facility.

“On a Saturday, we can have up to 200 people playing sport here in an afternoon – plus the spectators. We have got a small lounge that sits about 60 people and the big hall for the players’ teas.

“We have applied for planning permission, that has gone in now, and we are looking for grants.

“The main thing is to try to get volunteers within the clubs to do the work – all trades and labour.

“At the end of the day, the expansion is for the clubs.”

The proposals show seating for a further 66 people, which would more than double the current capacity of the seated area.

Mr Peters added: “We have been swithering for a couple of years now as to what to do but as I say it has got to the point now where we are so busy on a Saturday and Sunday that we need to do something.”

The 61-year-old was hopeful permission would be given and people would come forward to offer their expertise in a bid to keep the cost down.

He estimated it could cost up to £40,000 to make the plans a reality.

“It is going to make some difference,” he said.

“The other thing is Dunbar United going up a division in the football [the club secured a place in the new Premier Division in the East of Scotland Football League], which means we get more visitors for their home games.

“We can have the first and second teams from the rugby club, the hockey club, Dunbar United and the amateurs at home in one weekend.

“It does not happen often but it can, plus the spectators.”

Concerns about Dunbar’s infrastructure matching the pace of the housing developments in the town have regularly been raised at the town’s community council.

Pippa Swan, the group’s chairwoman, said that Hallhill Sports Centre was well used and welcomed the potential expansion.

She said: “Hallhill is an asset that really offers enormous potential.

“Anything that can be done to increase its attraction to a wide range of people has got to be welcomed.”