A FOOTBALL team’s elevation to semi-professional status will put a rural town “on the map” and boost its economy, say councillors.

Barnoldswick Town FC have finally been given the green light to make the step up from the West Lancashire Football League to the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Division One.

It follows a variety of fundraising and hard jobs" target="_blank">work to bring facilities up to standard.

To meet league requirements, club officials secured a £12,600 grant from the Football Foundation, £10,000 grant from the Football Association, and raised around £25,000 to pay for new floodlights at the Victory Park ground, known as the Silentnight Stadium.

Councillors in the town welcomed the club’s promotion, saying it will create a “feel good factor” in the town.

The club faced a long-running battle to bring its facilities up to a standard which met NWCFL requirements.

Lynn James, secretary, said one of the problems was that there was not sufficient access for vehicles to the stadium.

But with guidance from local councillors David Whipp and Margaret Bell, the club achieved planning permission from Pendle Council to use a track, which leads to the rear of the stadium, installed as a temporary measure by United Utilities.

In addition the changing rooms and showers also had to be expanded and upgraded and car parking provisions had to be created.

Coun Allan Buck, chairman of Barnoldswick Town Council, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic news for Barnoldswick, particularly at a time when Burnley FC are doing so well.

"People already support the town and this will boost that significantly.

“The feelgood factor you get from this sort of thing has a knock-on effect across the town.”

Coun David Whipp said that the town council had supported the club with a number of grants to pay for vital improvement to Victory Park.

“This is fantastic news for the town. Watch out Blackburn and Burnley - the Barlickers are coming!,” he added.

The club, reformed in 1972, was known as Barnoldswick United but changed its name after amalgamating with Park Rovers just over five years ago.

Coun Margaret Bell, added: “It’s got to bring more business into the town.”