PLANS have been lodged for a multi-use games area to be created on playing fields.

Hyndburn Council wants to provide a free to use games area for children of all ages on land at the playing fields in Bolton Avenue, Huncoat.

It would be intended for ball sports including football, cricket and basketball and would be maintained by the council.

The games area would complement the existing sports and recreation provision which currently includes a large children’s play area and football fields and they are owned and managed by the council for recreational purposes.

Mark Pickup, parks development officer at Hyndburn Council, who has submitted the application, said in planning documents that a decline in free to use leisure facilities was one of the reasons behind the plans.

He said :"Due to a number of new housing developments in the area and a decline of local free to use leisure facilities the purpose of this proposal is to provide a free to use facility for children of all ages intended for ball sports including football, cricket and basketball.

"This facility will be maintained by Hyndburn Council and subject to regular inspections. "