RESIDENTS have backed new plans for a community sports hub to be built in Accrington.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is working on plans to create a new £2million sports hub on Highams Playing Fields.

The trust has contacted Laneside Residents Association, who are based in the area, to get their support ahead of work developing the site.

Malcolm Sommerville, chairman of the residents group, said: "This field is very popular with the area and with Accrington Stanley Community Trust on board we can accomplish and finish what we started years ago.

"We are in full agreement for this project and are certain it will be a success with Accrington Stanley Community Trust at the helm."

The proposed facility will include a full size floodlit 4G pitch, grass pitches and a community building.

Staff at the community trust said it was a 'key priority' for them to talk to the residents group and they will work to ensure the play area at the site remains.