A MULTI-million pound venture to transform community and sports facilities is to be unveiled so local people can have their say.

The revamp focuses on and around Douglas Park in Heysham, with the Youth and Community Centre at the heart of the proposed changes.

If the vision wins support after going on display this month, it could spell the redevelopment of the centre to house the relocated Heysham Library.

It would also site community police offices and a new health centre and pharmacy, while new youth and community facilities and an indoor sports hall would be created.

Nearby bowling greens and the all-weather sports area would also be revamped.

Lancaster City Council has joined forces with the county council, the primary health care trust and Lancashire Police to work on ideas for the scheme.

And a feasibility study for the work has been done on behalf of the Heysham Mossgate (Community Facilities) Company.

The scheme also features the creation of a large multi-sport area to the rear of existing facilities and a new children's play area and skate arena.

News of the venture comes just days after local mums complained to the Citizen of a lack of play equipment for young children.

Pamela Fisher, of Oakville Road, Heysham, is a regular visitor to the play area and says there is not enough there for youngsters.

A slide has never been replaced after being removed, leaving behind an uneven expanse of tarmac which has caused a number of children to fall, she says.

But more seriously, youngsters can escape through a giant hole in the surrounding fence and head for a busy road, forcing parents to be on their guard.

"I am sick of people saying there are things for young people to do here," she says. "No-one cares about pre-school children because they can't cause any damage."

Mum Anna Robinson, who takes her son Jake to the play area, adds: "There's nothing for children under 10 really."

As part of the new proposals for the area, a tree-lined boulevard would link Middleton Road to the new Mossgate housing development. Locals can see the display on May 22 from 11 am to 8pm at the Youth and Community Centre.