HASLINGDEN CC members have voted in favour of the proposed merger with Parkwood Tennis Club.

The scheme which could eventually lead to the building of an indoor tennis and cricket centre at Bentgate was given unanimous approval at the club's AGM last night.

"We put the scheme to two separate votes and they were both passed," said president Tony Holden.

"Now we will hold a joint special meeting with with the tennis club on February 20 to take the whole thing further.

"That will be a chance to go through the rules and regulations.

"But we were delighted with response of the members."

The planned project would lead to a number of floodlit tennis courts being built at the rear of the present Bentgate club house along with the indoor facility.

An application for lottery money will be made but before that can go ahead the merger of the two clubs would have to be completed. The AGM also heard that the Haslingden made a modest profit of around £600.

"Although we were pleased with that it has to be remembered that we received £8,300 from the Valley Century Club," said Mr Holden.

"Without their support we would have been in dire financial straits."

Mark Griffin was appointed first team captain as successor to veteran Bobby Grimshaw, who stood down after nine seasons.

The were no changes on the committee.

Haslingden are holding a Sportsman's Dinner on April 4. Contact the club for more details.

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