FORMER tennis courts in Waterfoot could soon be transformed into a multi-purpose sports venue for local youngsters.

Groundwork Rossendale has submitted an application to Rossendale Council for planning permission to transform the old courts at Edgeside Park.

The application includes facilities for wheeled sports, such as skateboarding, roller-skating and cycling, as well as a facility for ball games.

It is hoped the £60,000 project will give young people the chance to pursue new interests and contribute to tackling anti-social behaviour in the area.

Project manager, Martin Proffitt, said the idea for the wheel park had arisen from residents' complaints about youth nuisance in the housing estates surrounding Edgeside Park.

He said: "The residents got together about two years ago to discuss what could be done about the problems with youth nuisance.

"Recently they made links with us and we carried out our own consultation, including a questionnaire, which found that what people really wanted was facilities for bikers, football and netball.

"This would be an ideal project as there are a lot of houses around the edges of the park with a large amount of children and young people in the area.

"Currently, young people congregate in the streets but this would give them something to do and it's not too far from their homes.

"It is also part of a wider project called the Rossendale Youth Provision Strategy, which aims to create 12 projects like this over the next three years."

Anyone wishing to comment on the application can do so in writing to the planning department, Stubbylee Hall, Bacup OL13 0DE, before February 5.