LEIGH'S new state-of-the-art sports stadium will be submitted for planning approval in the spring.

If the complex is given the green light, building work could start as early as this summer.

The announcement that the multi-million pound scheme, to be built on land bordering Marshall Street and Atherleigh Way, is still on track has come from Leigh MP Andy Burnham.

Mr Burnham told a meeting of Leigh Centurions' rugby league supporters: "It's a fantastic vision not only for Leigh Centurions, but for the citizens of Leigh as a whole."

He added: "The Leigh Sports Village will include a 10,000 all-seater stadium for the Centurions and Leigh RMI, top notch rugby facilities for the Leigh East amateur club and athletics facilities for Leigh Harriers, as well as a new sixth form college."

"The plans are fantastic and the whole concept is something that should excite everyone in Leigh. But the support of the people of Leigh will be absolutely crucial when it comes to the planning application being submitted."

Mr Burnham added that he expected the project to be approved because the local authority was supporting the development.