A FIVE year plan to improve and strengthen Pendle communities through outdoor sports has been drawn up by the council.

The report, which sets out the council's plans for outdoor facilities until 2008, is set to be rubber-stamped during a meeting at Nelson Town Hall on Wednesday.

A council spokesman said: "It is widely accepted that participation in sport is an important factor in determining a person's health and sense of well being.

"A great deal of research on a national level has been undertaken to demonstrate the value and role of sports participation in meeting wider agenda objectives."

Two separate studies were carried out which form the basis of the strategy. A playing pitch assessment was carried out by Pendle Council and looked at football, cricket, rugby and hockey facilities in the borough.

And an assessment of outdoor facilities was made against the National Playing Fields Association's recommendations.

The aim of the new strategy is to provide a vision for outdoor sport in Pendle for the next five years.

By doing this the council hopes to tackle wider issues such as serious health problems, contribute to crime reduction, combat social exclusion and ultimately build stronger communities.

The report also suggests that outdoor play may have a positive impact on the well being of Pendle children and contribute to their physical and mental well-being.

A number of developments are planned. These include redeveloping land at the top of Brent Head Playing Fields for sports and introducing rugby facilities at Victory Park.

The report sets out eight key objectives which include making sure that the council's facilities are tailored to local needs and a continual programme of assessment.

According to the report: "Local assessments are required to plan positively, creatively and effectively to ensure there is adequate provision of accessible, high quality outdoor and recreation facilities."