RESIDENTS in Padiham are preparing to fight against the proposed closure of the town's leisure centre.

In a review of the borough's sports and leisure facilities by Burnley Council, Padiham was one of the recreation centres earmarked for possible closure, although the review stated that refurbishment was an option.

The public are being asked to comment on the council's proposals, which are aimed at cutting the cost of leisure facilities to make them better value for money.

But talk of closing the centre is worrying residents, who are gathering support to fight the proposal and save their sports centre.

Carol Stinton, a magistrate, of Church Street, Padiham, who worked as a cashier at the Park Road centre when it first opened 30 years ago, is preparing to lead the campaign.

She said: "I watched it being built. It is a very fine building and people come from all over the area to use it. It is certainly in need of refurbishment.

"This is a facility that Padiham needs and I am speaking to people every day who are prepared to get involved in a campaign to save it."

The review also suggests demolishing the centre and building a new one elsewhere in Padiham.

Carol said: "I do not see the point of moving it somewhere else. It is situated in the leisure area, near the memorial park, the five-a-side pitches and tennis courts, the bowling green and the children's play area."

Her view was shared by Alan Smith, secretary of Padiham Sports Club. He said: "The centre should be given a facelift and the purchase of more land around it would be more advantageous to the town, making Padiham a centre of excellence for sport."

The three main centres, the Thompson Centre, Gannow Pool and Padiham Leisure Centre, currently cost the council £780,000 a year in subsidy and are in decline in terms of the number of users and physical appearance.

Mick Cartledge, director for community and leisure services, said the council could not afford to stand still, as maintaining the facilities with no improvements would cost £8million over the next 20 years.

He said: "Doing nothing is not an option. We will move forward to a consultation phase to get the views of sports groups and members of the public who use the facilities."