A LEISURE scheme set up to provide a programme of extra activities for Ribble Valley residents is to be extended in a bid to pull in more users.

The Passport to Leisure scheme, which has been in operation for some time, offers discounted casual activities at Longridge Sports Centre, as well as Ribblesdale Pool, Roefield Leisure Centre and local parks in Clitheroe.

At present there are only 70 passport holders from across the borough, the majority of whom are either disabled or unemployed and tend to use the scheme on a regular basis.

Facilities available for use within the scheme include the sports hall, squash courts, synthetic pitch and fitness room at Longridge, and the 25m pool at Clitheroe, as well as Roefield Leisure Centre's sports hall, climbing wall and fitness facilities and the indoor courts at Clitheroe Tennis Centre.

Sports development officer Chris Hughes said: "We recently carried out a consultation exercise with existing passport holders to get their opinions on the current scheme and suggest any improvements.

"Whilst the majority are satisfied with the current arrangements they did make a number of suggestions, including that more activities should be made available, particularly at Roefield Leisure Centre, and that Clitheroe Castle museum and the Grand Cinema should also be included.

"One other suggestion was that the scheme should be extended to include other boroughs."

He added: "Apart from increasing satisfaction among existing users we are conscious that any improvements to the system should aim to increase the number of passport holders."

As a result, a number of additions have been made to the scheme to bring in members of the community who are either unaware of the scheme or think it is not suitable for them as it is.

The new programme includes swimming lessons at Ribblesdale Pool, junior coaching activities at Longridge Sports Centre, wider activities at Roefield Leisure Centre (in consultation with its management), access to Clitheroe Castle museum, use of the Grand Cinema in Clitheroe and possible arrangements with neighbouring authorities.