A SPECIALIST firm is being brought in to draw up plans for a new sports facility for the Brookhouse area of Blackburn.

The council recently produced a document which underlines the need for an outdoor sports and recreational centre in the area.

And the rundown Wimberley pitch has been earmarked as a possible site.

The pitch, which is in need of repair, is owned by Lancashire County Council and managed by Brookhouse Primary School.

The aim is to create a multi-functional area which could be used for five-a-side football, hockey, netball and athletics.

The City Challenge has donated £5,200 towards the cost of a feasibility study.

Town hall bosses are recommending Strategic Leisure are picked to do the research.

The eventual cost of the project is expected to be in the five figure region and there are plans to apply for Lottery funding. Tom Wilson, Blackburn's head of outdoor amenities, said: "It is too early to say exactly what facilities we are looking at.

"It will be the consultants' job to find out what the community at Brookhouse wants and then perhaps we will have a clearer idea of the cost of the project."

Community and Leisure chairman Dave Smith added: "This scheme will give a much-needed boost to sports pitch provision in the borough.

"I very much hope we receive the necessary funding in order to provide these facilities for local sports fans."

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