CHORLEY’S two athletic clubs will form into one ‘super club’ in 2012 after members from both associations voted for the merger.

Chorley Athletic Club and Chorley Harriers will now be known as ‘Chorley Athletic and Tri club’, and will be formally constituted on April 1.

They will take part in all competitions under the simple name of ‘Chorley’.

The formation of a single club in the town has been mooted for some time and, during the autumn, the publication of a draft constitution was the largest step towards the move.

The final stage came before Christmas as club committees ironed out remaining differences before putting the merger to the vote of their members.

A 75 per cent majority vote from each club was needed and, as it proved, over 80 per cent in both cases agreed to the move.

“The combined strength of the ‘new’ club will allow for greater opportunities for competition, supporting young athletes and encouraging others to take up the sport,” said Chorley AC promotions officer Terry Dickenson.

“It will also mean that coaches will have greater access to facilities, training and support, which can only benefit the people of Chorley.”

Chorley AC was formed in 1980 and five years later Chorley Harriers emerged as an off shoot.

The Harriers later incorporated a triathlon arm and were renamed Chorley Harriers and Tri or CHAT.

In recent years there have been close relations between the two clubs, and with them both being of similar size with about 90 members each, and holding similar assets, neither club will have undue influence following the merger.

The new club will be kitted in black, white and red stripes to reflect the colours of both parents.

The vests would also include the word Chorley and carry the town’s emblem.

All of the current activities would be catered for including the triathlon, where the Harriers are well represented, and race walking – a speciality of Chorley AC.

The club’s base would be at Chorley Cricket Club, the current home of the Harriers.