Sports village plans given triple boost
6:46pm Monday 12th May 2008
THREE major sporting bodies have backed plans for the a state-of-the-art sports village in Rossendale.
Representatives from the FA, Rugby Football Union and UK Athletics travelled to Rossendale to express strong support in a bid to progress the Marl Pits Community Sports Village which is based in Rawtenstall.
The multi-million pound village contains plans for rugby, football, athletics, sports education, all-weather training, new changing areas, health and fitness, hospitality and improvements to the swimming pool.
The project will also see Rossendale United Football Club move to the site from Dark Lane.
Ex-England and Manchester United Captain Bryan Robson is leading private sector support of the project through his company Robson Lloyd, which is developing sports villages across the UK.
Peter Kay, the FA's national facilities manager said he welcomed the chance to improve the experience of grass roots footballers.
He said: "It is very much hoped that the Marl Pits project will offer a much needed boost to sport in general, ensuring that future generations in Rossendale are able to access high quality facilities and enjoy regular participation."
Derek Egan the county development manager for the Lancashire FA, said the lack of facilities in the valley were a concern for all sports.
He said: "Not only do we need to grow participation in sport, we need to sustain it and give all involved a better experience.
"The Marl Pits project is at an embryonic stage and has some way to go, but is a very exciting project which could prove to be an example of good practice in Lancashire."
Peter Sutcliffe of UK Athletics said the sports village would be a real boost to Rossendale.
Rossendale United expressed excitment about the prospect of joining with other sports groups to create "a complex of regional significance".
Chairman Steve Hobson said: "A move from Dark Lane will not be easy but we recognise that it is in our best interests and that of sport in Valley."
Gary Hood, chief executive of Rossendale Leisure Trust said: "This is a very short time scale but here we have an excellent project to take forward.
"The valley has missed the boat too many times and we will not miss out this time. Our collective vision is to create a set of first class facilities housed on a single site.
"We don't want our young people to train on waterlogged pitches and tracks or to travel to Blackburn or Manchester for first class facilities - we want them here in Rossendale.
"We still have a long way to go but things are moving very quickly."
Consultation events with wider stakeholder groups are expected later in the summer.