SPORTS clubs have welcomed plans to transform playing fields into a modern £200,000 sports facility.

Colne Football Club, who currently share the Holt House playing fields changing facilities with Colne and Nelson Rugby Club, said the plans for six new public playing pitches with changing facilities and a car park were necessary to cope with the extra demand.

Pendle Council have earmarked £200,000 for the scheme to transform Holt House playing fields, which are used for the Colne's annual gala and the stadium used by the football club, which was built in the 1960s.

Wayne McKenna, youth team manager and committee member at the football club, said: "The changing rooms up at Holt House were built in 1966 but now with things changing and girls and boys both playing football we just need better faciliites.

"We share the changing block with the rugby club and if this goes ahead they will be given to the rugby club and the new football ground will have changing rooms for the new facilities.

"Currently we have four pitches and there is a need for increased capacity everywhere.

"More junior football teams mean you need more playing fields."

Chris Buck, vice-chairman of the rugby club, said: "Presently we do not have enough capacity so we have to use the football club's faciliities.

"Hopefully if this goes ahead, as I understand it, the old facilities will be upgraded and there will be more room for us because the football club will get new changing rooms."

A steering group was set up in September last year, after the Colne and District Committee supported the proposals, to work with Colne Football Club and Colne and Nelson Rugby Club to meet the needs of the of the local people and communities.

Schools, clubs, leagues and elected members will also be extensively consulted.

Representatives of the steering group visited Tameside Metropolitan Council and Curzon Ashton Football Club, one of two similar projects in the north west.

The first step will be to conduct a feasability study at a costs of £25,000, if the scheme is endorsed at Thursday's Executive meeting.