THE first phase of a multi-million pound redevelopment of Accrington Cricket Club has been granted outline planning permission by Hyndburn councillors.

Lottery cash is now being sought to help fund the ambitious project at the Thorneyholme Road site.

Almost 70 local residents have signed a petition calling for speed restrictions along Thorneyholme Road where there is a children's day nursery and playground.

The development services committee said work was not warranted at the moment, but a traffic calming scheme could be considered in the future if necessary.

The vision for the future includes a new indoor cricket centre and sports hall, club and function rooms.

Extensions to spectator terracing and a new car park are also planned.

The proposal is the first phase of a larger development which would include improvements to the council's nearby playing fields and the cricket field, a larger area of terracing and the relocation of the children's play area.

The improved facilities at the cricket club would be available for members of the public using the council-owned playing fields.

The parking area for 130 cars would take a corner of the playing fields, councillors were told.

But the proposed improvements to the field as a whole will ensure that the same number of pitches are provided.

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