HAKIN United and Milford Haven RFC clubs are facing disruption at the Observatory Ground at possibly the end and start of next season.

They share the ground that is owned by the Pembrokeshire County Council, and are likely to accommodate a new school in the future that has been earmarked for the Observatory Ground.

The council have made it clear of their intentions to build a new school on the site as Hakin Junior, Infants and Hubberston Junior Schools have been asked to merge. The council has funding for the school, but there are still a lot of issues to be addressed before the new proposal is given the green light.

If all goes to plan then the contractors will move in by possibly March/ April next year and try to complete the work by September/October. There are ongoing meetings between all parties concerned as to where to site the school.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: There are currently two options under discussion regarding the location of a new building for the proposed merged Hakin/Hubberston school.

One will hardly affect the football and rugby pitches on the Observatory Fields site.

The other option would require the pitches to be realigned. There have already been discussions with both football and rugby clubs and this is ongoing.

We anticipate a degree of betterment to both pitches as a consequence of the project - in addition to some shared use training pitches through the provision of MUGA (Multi User Games Area) facilities.

Both clubs are an integral part of the community and the council have no immediate plans to ask the football or rugby clubs to vacate the ground. All parties are trying to work together and come up with a solution that will cater for all parties.

Milford Haven RFC chairman Steve Holmes said: We are very supportive of improving childrens education in Hakin, and this school build is a good thing.

As a club we want to stay at the Observatory and play rugby and if our ground can be improved in the process of these proposed developments then that is a positive step.

Hakin United secretary Alan Roach said: We are in favour of building a new school. All we ask is that we can stay and have use of the facilities we currently enjoy.

If our playing surface was upgraded or any of our present facilities upgraded then that would be an added bonus.

Good day out at the Obs MILFORD Haven RFC are holding a friendly touch sevens tournament at the Observatory Ground this Saturday.

All players, families and friends are urged to turn up at the club for a 2pm start.

This is an opportunity to have a great day out. There will be a bouncy castle, cheap beer and free food plus a presentation evening with disco.