TROWBRIDGE Town Council is next week expected to approve plans to take out a £2.4 million loan to fund its 3G artificial turf pitch next to Doric Park.

The full council meeting on Tuesday July 20 is being recommended to approve the application for the controversial development funding.

The Liberal Democrat-controlled council is likely to pass the recommendation against Tory Group opposition.

If it goes through, it will mean the council would be liable for repayments of up to £109,264 a year over a 30-year period.

Council chief executive Lance Allan will tell councillors that public consultation over whether the scheme and the funding should go ahead has been completed.

In addition, Trowbridge Rugby Club has agreed a deal to allow the council to access the site from its entrance off the A361 at Hilperton.

Wiltshire Council has granted planning permission for the development and tenders are due back soon to build it.