A NEW £1million centre for families looks set to be built in Burnley Wood.

Burnley Council's executive committee has agreed in principal to dispose of land in Crowther Street for SureStart Burnley Wood and Duke Bar, to build a children's centre.

Planning consent still has to be gained for the building, which will include training rooms, full day-care, a cafe and a safe play area, but SureStart is aiming to complete the project in 18 months.

There has been some opposition to the project from local residents, who were hoping to get permission to transform the land into an open space, with trees and plants, for community use. But Brian Fenn, chairman of Burnley Wood Resident's Action Group, said: "I think that the majority of people would rather see the investment come into the area and have this centre built."

Sue Cooper, from Burnley Wood One Stop Shop, a community organisation that provides a focal point for a number of local initiatives and services in the area, said: "Some residents in Burnley Wood were aspiring to use the land as a communal open green space and we represented those ideas at meetings about the SureStart building.

"However, both the One Stop Shop and the residents of Burnley Wood all support the SureStart programme and want it to come into the area."

Terri Hacking, from SureStart Burnley Wood and Duke Bar, said the centre would provide a much-needed facility for the area. "It is a very exciting project and the next step is to get the planning application in.

" Hopefully, when the building is there, people will be able to see the advantage and the benefits it will bring."

Council leader Stuart Caddy, said: "The choice of the site has not been without its problems. We have, however, had to make a very difficult decision and, in doing so, have taken into consideration the wider need of the area for major physical investment and the needs of the SureStart service.

"The council views the construction of this facility as a significant step forward."