A rundown public garden has been converted into a fully-equipped rugby facility managed by the Birkirkara Alligators Rugby Club.

The ground, in John Borg Street, was originally handed over to the local council to be embellished about 13 years ago. However, mayor Michael Fenech Adami said it had fallen victim to countless acts of vandalism over the years.

It was only about two years ago that the local council was approached by the Alligators with the idea of setting up their own training facilities.

Since then, what was once an eyesore has been transformed into three five-a-side pitches laid in synthetic turf specifically used for rugby and equipped with a clubhouse, bar, children's playground and outdoor gym.

Club president Adrian Hillman said the facilities were a leap forward in the club's history. He hoped the facility would also serve to attract people to sport in general, adding it was important to be active.

Mr Fenech Adami wished the club success, adding that he hoped other local councils would follow suit so sport could flourish.

The team was set up between 1990 and 1991 but was originally called the University Rugby Team. However, as many of its founding members graduated, it was decided to rename it the Alligators in 1995. The team immediately dominated the local rugby scene, winning the league in its first year.

About two years ago it decided to affiliate itself with a locality, eventually picking Birkirkara. That was when discussion kicked off between its committee and the local council to set up the team's own training facilities.