LEIGH Sports Village has cleared another big hurdle -- winning a promise of financial backing from the North West Development Agency.

It has agreed in principle to support the scheme after Leigh MP Andy Burnham and Labour Party chairman Ian McCartney put the case for the project to the chief executive, Steve Broomhead.

A detailed funding package has yet to be agreed.

The boost comes after councillors gave unanimous backing to the ambitious project at the local planning hearing. It has now been referred to the Government Office for the North West and a decision is awaited.

In the meantime work continues on other aspects of funding. Mr Burnham and Leigh RMI FC secretary Alan Robinson recently had a success meeting at the House of Commons with Peter Lee, chief executive of the Football Foundation, to discuss grant support for the new stadium and grassroots pitches.

Mr Burnham said: "This is another big hurdle cleared. One by one the pieces are falling into place. The NWDA's involvement is crucial to us as it will give other funders the confidence to come forward and back the scheme.

"We still await the planning green light but my hope is that the momentum behind the scheme is becoming unstoppable."

Lord Peter Smith, Leader of Wigan Council, said: "The council has worked hard with partners to secure Leigh Sports Village and this is excellent news that the NWDA has agreed in principle to support the scheme. Labour councillors have pledged to fund the scheme to enable it to start on schedule."

Mr Broomhead said: "This is an exciting scheme which I am sure will make a big difference to the community, but there is still a long way to go. I look forward to receiving a formal application for funding."

Trevor Barton, chairman of Leigh and District Sports Partnership, said: "The Sports Village will transform Leigh. It is now tantalisingly close but we'll keep on working together until it is in the bag."

Euro MP Terry Wynn puts his weight behind Leigh Sports Village scheme - Page 12.