HOPES of finding a new home for Pendle Croquet Club have been crushed for the third time with the refusal of use of a site in Barrowford.

John Beech, chairman of the club which has operated for 17 years from Nelson and Colne College, said it could now be forced to close unless someone can come up with a piece of land it can use.

The club, which has a sponsor on stand-by willing to fund new facilities, will have to move from the college on December 31 because of development at the site.

A first option of developing the Marsden Park Pool site for use last June proved to be too costly.

This was followed by the council offering the club space at Victory Park, Barnoldswick, in February. But that idea fell down because the club was not allowed to build its own pavilion and toilets so the sponsor pulled out.

A last-ditch attempt at applying to use the former recreation ground, in Pasture Lane, Barrowford, failed when councillors turned down the idea after receiving a petition from local residents opposed to the plan.

Mr Beech said: "I think the residents were concerned that it would open the way for further development, whereas in reality if they gave the croquet club a 25-year lease it would secure the land for a quarter of a century.

"We are now going to have to call a meeting to decide what to do next and to see whether there are any other options or whether we should close. If we can't get another site we will not be able to continue.

"There are no other croquet clubs nearby, which is the sad thing. It is a public amenity because people can come and play on a pay and play basis without having to be a member. We also entertain community groups and we have been into schools to encourage children to play. I think the sponsor will still assist us if we can find a suitable site, so if anyone knows of a site they can contact me on 01282 813070. It would have to be at least an acre in size, preferably one and a half acres."