THE seal of approval is expected to be given to Pendle's Outdoor Recreation Strategy next week.

Strategic Leisure was appointed in December 2002 to work in partnership with Pendle Borough Council to develop such a strategy.

A playing pitch assessment, including football, cricket, rugby and hockey, was carried out by the council and Strategic Leisure, as well as an assessment to measure the adequacy of outdoor playing space in the borough compared to the National Playing Fields Association recommended minimum standards.

The strategy provides a vision for improving the sporting facilities in the area and related actions to guide the development of outdoor sport and recreation during the next five years.

Pendle Council has a key role in providing a range of outdoor sport and recreation through its own land, in partnership with others such as Pendle Leisure Trust and through helping other organisations and sports clubs to develop and manage facilities.

Although the strategy considers all outdoor recreation space, the focus has been placed on those directly provided by the council's parks, cemeteries and outdoor recreation department.

The environment, lesiure and rural affairs review committee is expected to rubber stamp the strategy at its next meeting on Tuesday, July 22.