A NEW ‘vertical playground’ looks set to be installed at an East Lancashire sports centre to attract climbing fans of all ages.

Council bosses in Rossendale are discussing support for an innovative climbing wall development at Haslingden Sports Centre.

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Under a deal with Rossendale Leisure Trust and Hangfast – who are pioneers of the vertical playground concept – the authority would provide £275,000 and expect repayment over five years.

The installation would focus on just part of the main sports hall, still allowing the current five-a-side football, badminton, indoor bowls and basketball to continue.

Climbing walls can range from replicas of existing rock faces to a wide range of themed challenges,such as a board game, lunar crater, planetarium, castle and bubble-themed walls.

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Rossendale Council leader, said: “It is going to be absolutely fantastic.

“The company behind this are really looking to use Haslingden as their showcase for the area.

“We are keen to increase usage at Haslingden Sports Centre and we are really interested in this idea. as an additional facility.

“It should appeal to our younger residents especially.

“We are already talking to them about how we can keep the centre fresh and always looking good.

“We are also investing in Rossendale Museum, our cycling routes and playing fields in Whitworth.”

Phil Seddon, who is the finance head of Rossendale Council, added: “The increased usage of the centre will help reduce the cost of the centre to local people by reducing the subsidy from the council.”

Trust bosses are in discussion with other Valley attractions, such as Ski Rossendale, the East Lancashire Railway and The Whitaker museum in Rawtenstall to see whether complementary marketing deals can be arranged.

The centre has seen improvements such as a new gym, exercise studios, squash courts and laser tag developed at the Helmshore Road site in recent years.

Further proposals aimed at widening the youth appeal of the centre, by boosting Wi-Fi provisions and creating a cyber cafe, are also currently under consideration.

The final decision on funding will rest with a full council meeting on February 25.

Vertical Playground® | Longleat Assembly Timelapse from Hang Fast Climbing on Vimeo.