PLANS for a £2.3million expansion at a Pendle leisure centre are set to take a major step forward when the application goes before councillors.

Leisure bosses want to extend Nelson's Pendle Wavelengths as part of the bid to breathe new life into the town.

The plans, which would see a new fitness suite, spa and dance studio built, are set to be approved when the Nelson Committee meets on Monday.

And today a leading councillor said the new facilities would be a major boost for Nelson.

Labour group leader, Coun Mohammed Iqbal, said: "Clearly it will be a shot in the arm for the people of Nelson who, for many years, did not have a sports centre unlike other parts of the borough. It is going to be a showpiece for the town and I hope the application goes through without a hitch."

If given the green light, a two-storey extension would be built fronting on to Chapel Street. The ground floor would house a reception area, changing rooms and sauna, with a gym and dance studio on the second floor.

An environmental study and flood risk assessment will have to be carried out.

Plans to move the car park will also have to be completed before the extension can open.

Pendle Leisure Trust, which runs the centre on a long-term lease from Pendle Council, has drawn up a business plan for the scheme.