A LEISURE village on the outskirts of Preston is forging ahead with expansion plans to accommodate 3,000 holidaymakers by the year 2000.

Ribby Hall Leisure Park near Kirkham has launched an ambitious £20 million project which includes a 54-bedroom motel, 200 holiday cottages for rent, 200 lodges and caravans to buy. There will also be 30 holiday apartments built to look like a Georgian mansion, complete with a sweeping drive and fountain.

The centre, on a 100-acre site between Kirkham and Wrea Green, would also have a conference suite big enough for 200 delegates, with 40 bedrooms attached.

The leisure park has rapidly grown since the current owners, headed by Kirkham building magnate William Harrison, took over in early 1994.

It already has 73 holiday cottages and an eight-bedroom motel, but, said managing director Paul Harrison, "Demand is so high for people wanting to stay just one or two nights that we need to expand our hotel facilities."

The site has also become popular with locals, using its half-Olympic sized swimming pool, sports centre with gym, squash and badminton courts, aerobics hall, saunas and whirlpool baths.

An added attraction is the equestrian centre, with an indoor riding school opened at Easter, children's fun centre, Celebrations family cabaret bar, the Virgin adults only pub, and restaurant.

With its broad range of accommodation, the site could emulate Center Parcs or the Lake District's Oasis holiday village by the time it is complete. "Demand is good, people enjoy the country setting," said Mr Harrison, "it has a relaxing atmosphere but at the same time there's a lot to do if they want it, and the location means they can be in Blackpool in 15 minutes, or in the Lake District in less than an hour."

At the moment their clientele comes from all over Britain, but next year they hope to start marketing abroad.

Fylde planning committee is to consider the latest applications, for the motel, conference suite, apartments and extra holiday cottages, within the next few months.

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