A BID may be made for National Lottery money to upgrade school sports facilities in Burnley after a top level meeting improved hopes for a brighter future.

Burnley School Sports Association chairman Ian Cronshaw spoke of renewed optimism about local school sports following a meeting between Lancashire County Council officers and county and district councillors.

He said: "We talked at great length about the future for school playing field provision in Burnley and were able to raise the concerns we have had this year. A great deal of information was exchanged in a full and frank discussion.''

County representatives outlined plans for improving the number of facilities, including access for schools to playing fields, changing rooms and the pavilion at St Andrew's sports fields in Burnley.

It was agreed to explore the possibility of a joint bid by Lancashire County Council and Burnley Council for a lottery grant to develop Towneley playing fields and to upgrade facilities at Cherry Fold.

Mr Cronshaw added: "Of course all these proposals depend heavily on finances being available but now we have opened up meaningful channels of communication we will be pressing hard for early decisions.

Burnley MP Peter Pike, who has backed the Association, said: "I welcome the progress made and I will support efforts to secure additional funding for the playing fields by giving my backing to any lottery bid.''

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