FEARS that a £90,000 transformation of Chatburn’s playing fields would have to be scrapped because of a lack of funds have receded.

The two-year scheme was left in danger of collapse after the village committee were left with a £13,500 shortfall when a benefactor reduced an offer of a donation.

But borough councillors came to the rescue this week when they agreed to stump up the remainder of the cash to complete the work.

Coun Gary Scott, of Chatburn Parish Council, said the village committee had been let down in their quest to raise funds.

“We have been badly let down by people offering money and then changing their mind,” he said. “Obviously this is a difficult decision for the borough council.

“Without support or a loan from the borough the parish council would be left with an unfinished building that couldn’t be used.”

A report to borough councillors said if funding was not secured for the remainder of the project soon, builders were likely to leave site, leaving serious issues for the village committee, which would be left with an incomplete building that could not be used for any purpose.

But the project, which would see the changing rooms at the fields in Sawley Road completely redeveloped to include new home and away facilities, a changing room for officials and a new kitchen, won support from councillors.

The scheme would also see the village’s cricket and football teams expanded to a second team each, with a junior section also in the pipeline.

Coun John Hill described the work as a “tremendous boost” for Chatburn and said he was fully prepared to support it.

Coun Mary Robinson said: “It would be tragic to see the village committee lose out over a shortfall, having put so much work in.”

Coun Simon Hore added: “This is a splendid scheme and we should do all we can to support it.”

The final details of the funding will have to go before the borough council’s policy and finance committee, but it is set to give a grant of £5,000 and a loan of £8,500.