A COUNCIL leader has welcomed assurances that a green zone with a question mark over its future will remain as a recreational area.

Heys playing field, Oswaldtwistle, was used regularly by Rhyddings High School for sports activities until it was given a new grassland closer to its buildings, three years ago.

But now the community groups who use Heys, including Ossie Juniors football team, complain of vandalism, blaming rogue car drivers and motorcyclists for driving through holes in the dilapidated fence and rutting the five pitches.

Deputy head teacher Paul Trickett wrote to Lancashire County Council last year, saying the school no longer had a need for the field and wanted the council to take responsibility for its maintenance, which costs up to £50,000 a year.

And rumours it might not have a future as a recreational ground were aired at the Oswaldtwistle area council meeting on Tuesday night.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe had told the meeting he feared Lancashire were looking to sell Heys to developers and pledged to send them the council's reservations in a letter.

However, a spokesman for the county said: "We have no intention of selling the field and will be more than happy to discuss the matter with Hyndburn and the school.

"Rhyddings school have told us they no longer want to use the playing fields and we are looking at a way forward on this which is acceptable to both school and council." Mr Trickett said: "We hadn't heard back from Lancashire and what Mr Britcliffe said was a bolt from the blue.

"We feel Lancashire County Council could have a use for the field. It would be a sad loss to the the community if it were sold. There are no other green spaces in Oswaldtwistle with that quality of pitches."

And Councillor Britcliffe said: "I am delighted that the council has given us assurance the area will remain as a playing field. But now we need to look at ways to make sure it is adequately maintained. I will be happy to enter into negotiations with Lancashire County Council to see what can be done."