CLITHEROE could have a new sports complex for the next millennium if lottery bosses give a £3 million scheme the go-ahead.

Proposals for the scheme will be put under the spotlight today when they are unveiled for the first time at a public meeting in the town.

Ribble Valley Council wants to revamp its sports facilities and transform them into a multi-purpose sports centre with Lottery cash.

It will incorporate Roefield Leisure Centre, Ribblesdale Swimming Pool and Clitheroe Tennis Centre into one big centre.

The designs, by Longridge architects Michael Raynor Associates, were chosen by the council's lottery working group in a competition to design the site.

The council has stressed the designs are 'not set in stone' and the centre is still very much at the planning stage.

However, the council's sport and leisure manager Chris Hughes, said: ''The designs are still in draft form and may have to be changed, but we are happy with the way the architects have incorporated all the ideas for the new centre.'' If given the go-ahead, the new centre would have a multi-purpose hall, aerobics area, childcare facilities, a sauna and solarium suite, a common reception area and a larger fitness room.

There would also be improvements to the existing climbing wall to provide for beginners and six outdoor tennis courts.

A £3 million price tag has been put on the work and the council wants to fund as much as 90 per cent using a cash handout from the Sport Lottery Board.

The council would have to stump up the remainder and is now seeking funding from about six different sources.

Clitheroe Mayor Councillor John McGowan, also a borough councillor, said: ''I am backing the scheme. It is important for both the town and the whole of Ribble Valley.''

If the designs are approved, the lottery bid could be submitted by the end of the month. Lottery approval for the handout could then be given at the end of the year.

The proposed designs will be on view at the public meeting in Ribble Valley Council chamber, starting at 7pm today, Wednesday.

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