WORK to upgrade facilities at the Blackburn Arena is getting under way.

The Arena is at the heart of a massive leisure and retail redevelopment in the Lower Audley district and bosses at the 11-year-old facility are determined to take advantage of the increased number of people who will be attracted to the area.

Already work is progressing to refurbish the caf, the professional's room, toilets and the members' room.

"It's all part of our plans to enhance the Arena," said manager Des Finlay.

He added that there were long-term plans to offer other sporting activities as well as ice hockey and ice skating.

But he pointed out that reports of a £6.5m regeneration scheme for the Arena itself were misleading.

"We have plans to consider other sporting activities, housed in a separate indoor facility, including roller blading, football and tennis but talk of spending millions is completely wrong."

That figure relates to the Lower Audley leisure and retail zone development.

"We are very keen to play our part in the regeneration by making the Arena a leading sports and leisure facility," he added.

"It's clear that Blackburn Council and the Regeneration Programme are determined to increase the attractiveness and the accessibility of the town and we are happy to be part of that."