THREE of Pendle's park areas have been identified as key priority sites for improvement during research into the borough's five-year outdoor recreation strategy.

Colin Patten, service manager for parks, cemeteries and outdoor recreation, will submit the draft strategy for 2003 to 2008 at the executive meeting on Thursday, for recommendation for approval by the full council.

It is aimed at developing outdoor sport and recreation during the next five years by identifying the adequacy of the existing facilities for outdoor sport, acting as a guide to the priorities for the sporting community and identifying where outdoor sport could have a greater impact.

A number of improvements have already been made including pavilion improvements at Swinden and Trawden recreation grounds, Holt House and Bent Head, including new heating and lighting, security, decoration and ventilation.

But there are also further improvements being planned or progresses including:

Bent Head Playing Fields -- improvements funded by the New Opportunities Fund Green Spaces Initiative (£50,000) and Pendle Council (£30,000) for redeveloping land at the top of the site for multi sports use.

Lucas Sports Ground, Reedley -- it is probable that 50 per cent of the site will be sold for housing and the old cricket ground will be kept and developed

Victory Park, Barnoldswick -- a potential scheme to introduce rugby to the site along with informal recreation and play provision.

Swinden and Bullholme playing fields, Nelson and Barrowford -- plans to look at changing facilities at the two sites and replace with one central block for both.

Earby Recreation Ground -- proposals for the new drainage system and changing rooms. A working group has been set up to identify sources of funding.

The key priority sites have been identified as Bent Head, Victory Park and Swinden/Bullholme.