BLACKPOOL Sports Centre has received nearly £1million from the National Lottery Sports Fund.

The cheque was handed over yesterday (June 4) by the North West Sports Council, to Roy Lewis, chairman of the tourism and leisure committee.

The money will be used for a planned redevelopment, predicted to cost £995,000 at the Stanley Park venue.

A multi-purpose indoor athletics hall will be built with seating for 550 enabling the centre to hold local, national and even international sporting events.

A meeting room will be provided for coaching sessions.

The lighting and irrigation of the all-weather pitch will be improved as the turf has been too dry particularly for hockey teams.

John Blackledge, senior leisure services officer, said this amount was the largest lottery grant which Blackpool Borough Council had ever been given for sport.

He added: "The award is a tremendous boost for sports and recreation in Blackpool and reflects the successful partnerships developed by the council and by local sports clubs and organisations."

The total lottery grant is £884,200, with £102,000 coming from the council and £8,800 from local sports and community organisations.

Terry Gregson, director of community services, said: "We are delighted - a lot of hard work went in to formulating the bid. Now we hope the community will benefit."

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