COMMUNITY leaders in Heysham and the West End are to press ahead with ambitious plans to create a community facility at the former bus and illuminations depot.

The scheme will not go forward as part of the West End Partnership's funding bid, but Heysham North Cllr Pat England is calling for the public to make their voices heard over the future of the site.

Cllr England and Green group leader, Cllr Jon Barry, put forward a scheme last year which would see the former illuminations building become a community space which could be used for anything from sports for young people to bingo for the older generation.

In order to support the scheme, business projects such as a coffee bar and IT training or work units around the perimeter of the site would be established.

Cllr England said: "I feel I am fighting a losing battle to raise the support and advice needed to develop a community scheme for the depot site.

"Officers helped to write a bid for a nursery scheme on the lighting depot land but did not work up the spots/business scheme which came forward at a much earlier date.

The best thing that local residents can do if they want a community-led scheme is to write to me at Morecambe town hall and say so.

"This is another idea to come from residents and it will help to get funding for the scheme.

I believe that fellow councillors on Alexandra and Heysham North support the scheme because they are all community-minded and see the benefit in providing a centre for young people.

The sport and recreation area will help tourism, Heysham and the West End."

Cllr England says that 16 letters of support for the project have already been sent to the council's director of regeneration, John Donnellon.