YOUNGSTERS in the Stacksteads area may soon have an alternative to boredom and the negative routine of simply 'hanging around'.

The local community group has applied for Lottery funding to introduce sports initiatives.

Stacksteads Riverside Park Group (SRPG) has formed a sports club committee and, with the help of Rossendale sports development officer Ibby Khan, has applied for a lottery grant of £5,000.

Although a decision on the application is still awaited, a leaflet has been produced which has been sent to homes and businesses in Stacksteads, asking for help.

Dale Connearn, a member of SRPG, said: "We believe that boredom is the main cause of problems in the area, so we are looking to provide regular facilities to involve young people in sport -- initially netball, football and cricket."

The group is seeking support from local schools and churches who will hopefully allow their outdoor facilities to be used on one or two evenings a week.

SRPG member Bryan Lamb explained: "Factories and shops spend a lot of money on security. We are asking businesses to give a relatively modest part of their security budget to help establish sports activities.

"Our feeling is that this could be cost effective in the long term by helping to reduce the problems."

Anyone who can help the group, parents and grandparents included, can contact members Dale on 01706 876960, Bryan on 01706 874614 or Gill Knowles on 01706 878956.