THE Lancashire Wildlife Trust has asked a council to double how much it pays to help support two nature reserves.

Ribble Valley Borough has paid £2,000 towards the costs since 2008 but now the trust is asking for the authority to pay £4,000 a year.

A council spokesman said: “Salthill and Crosshill local nature reserves are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and recognise internationally important not only for the geology alone but also for the biology and biodiversity.

“Both sites are leased from the council by the trust.

“The trust has invested considerable time and money into the reserves and would like to continue its involvement in these important sites.

“However it finds itself in a similar situation with the rest of the voluntary sector in that resources have declined.”

A decision is due next week.