PLANS to seek cash for a leisure facility for wheeled sports and a youth shelter can now proceed after Lancashire County Council agreed to pay for officer time.

An application for £1,706.25 made by youth and community officer Steve Roman was agreed by the council.

The money will pay for Rossendale Groundwork officer's time to try to find funding for the £150,000 scheme and develop the project.

Mr Roman said: "The aim of raising the sum is to provide facilities for young people in response to their needs and expressed wishes.

"£150,000 will provide youth shelters or wheeled leisure facilities for skateboards, BMX bikes, in-line skating or whichever the wheeled activity is in vogue, which will occupy young people, giving them safe, legitimate and recognised places to meet friends and socialise, leading to a reduction in nuisance and crime."

The Crime and Disorder Working Group has approved funding for one shelter in Rossendale and various agencies, including the county council, Rossendale Council and local crime groups are involved with the project.