A PUBLIC consultation will take place to decide the future of a leisure centre after it was set to be redeveloped.

Bosses at Pendle Leisure Centre had announced earlier this month plans for its sports hall to be revamped into a soft play area for children and a fitness and dance studio.

The refurbishment was earmarked to help generate income into the town centre.

However at a recent full Pendle Council meeting councillors argued against the redevelopment and a recent decision to loan the trust £500,000 to help with the transformation.

It was agreed a public consultation would take place on the leisure centre’s future.

Cllr Paul White, deputy leader of the Conservative group on Pendle Council said this was a big win for Colne.

He said: “The idea to re-purpose the sports hall as a soft play area, in a very thinly veiled attempt to copy a successful local business in the immediate vicinity, was completely shambolic and ill thought-out.

“Thankfully, we were able to get the administration to agree to include us in framing the consultation to be set before members of the public and also for them to take their time in completing it, so we get the right solution for everyone in Colne.”

If altered the loss of the sports hall would see sports activities moved to the West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick and Colne Primet Academy in Colne at weekends.

Alison Goode, Pendle Leisure Trust’s chief executive, said: “This redevelopment is something we have been examining and considering for quite a while.

“We carried out a lot of research and the decision has not been taken lightly.

“We feel this is a positive option to enhance the existing centre and facilities, whilst bridging the gap in our funding.

“I feel this redevelopment will have a positive impact on Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne and Pendle.

“At the end of the day, we are trying our best to keep all our facilities open, despite council cuts and I would urge everyone responding to the public consultation to look at the bigger picture and the long-term sustainability of Pendle’s leisure facilities.”