MORE than 1,400 shoppers showed their support for the Leigh Sports Village project after they signed letters backing the ambitious £75million scheme.

Volunteers, including MP Andy Burnham and Leigh Sports Partnership chairman Trevor Barton, were on hand at the Spinning Gate Shopping Centre where the plans were on display.

Mr Barton said there had been massive support, with over 1,422 shoppers signing letters in favour of the proposals -- and those letters have been sent to the Director of Planning, Martin Kimber.

And he said the exhibition had been useful to speak to people who had reservations about the scheme.

He said: "Last Saturday was absolutely terrific, we had massive support for the Sports Village. It was good to speak to people who had concerns about the project. We were able to speak to people on a one to one basis and they came up with some useful suggestions which have been submitted to the developers. I would like to thank volunteers who gave up their precious time to help man the display stands.

A final session has been organised for people who still have concerns about the project. The session will take place at Westleigh High on Wednesday, October 8, from 7pm - 9pm.