VOLUNTEERS aiming to revive sport in an area of Darwen have been promised a 25-year lease by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Square Meadow, situated on the former site of Darwen Moorland High School, was saved for public use in 2013 and has since become home to three junior football teams and an archery club.

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But for the Friends of Square Meadow to be able to introduce the abundance of sports they wished for, they needed to secure a long-term lease.

Now after a five-year battle, one has finally been promised which will mean cricket, rugby, rounders, cross country and athletics teams could soon be seen in action.

Harry Blackwell, chair of the friends group, said there is now ‘unmistakable optimism’ surrounding the development plans.

He said: “Since it was saved, huge improvements have been made but a requirement for our success was a long-term lease from the council.

“Now that a lease has been approved, there is unmistakable optimism surrounding the committee’s future development plans.

“We will now concentrate on constructing a calendar where all activities can be placed allowing all sports a chance to grow.

“The committee have been unstinting in their efforts over the years and are keen to see the emerging fruits of their labours in the times ahead.”

Square Meadow was saved from future development after it emerged that it did not belong to the old school, which has been demolished with the site earmarked for housing.

Now that the lease has been promised, major funding can be applied for to improve facilities like the reconstruction of fencing and the refurbishment of the pavilion.

The committee will aim to involve schools and bring competition to the meadow with the long-term goal being to use the space as an educational resource where children can learn through sport.

Cllr Jane Oates, who represents the Sudell area on the borough council, said: “They are a fantastic committee and they have worked really hard.

“If we can get kids involved in sport that is better than them wrecking playgrounds and some of the things that have been happening in the town. It is for the whole of Darwen and we are very excited.”