AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled to turn Ski Rossendale into a major centre for artificial snow sports, including national competitions.

A scheme before the council includes creating a new 240-metre long floodlit slope with two tow lifts, spectator facilities, a race office and timing equipment.

Ski Rossendale is currently rated by the English Ski Council as a class 3 slope - a regional facility suitable for recreational skiing and regional competitions.

The new plans would upgrade it to class 4 - suitable for home national competitions and national training.

Ultimately councillors would like the slope to carry the top class 5 grade designating it as a centre of excellence.

Plans to be considered by the leisure committee also include access for the disabled over the whole site, snowboarding on one of the slopes, upgrading the existing nursery slope and adding a second, a new building with changing facilities, lecture rooms, fitness training, equipment hire, a cafe and shop, on site lodge accommodation, Nordic circular route skiing and grass skiing.

Other activities which could take place on the site off Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, including climbing, mountain biking and orienteering.

Councillors hope funding will come from the Lancashire SRB Tourism partnership and the Sports Lottery.

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