FUNDING is in doubt for a £2.9million indoor sports centre at Witton Park which would transform athletics facilities in East Lancashire.

Plans have now been submitted for the development, which include a 400-seat covered stand with a 60-metre indoor running track, changing rooms, fitness suite and conference facilities.

But council leader Kate Hollern has revealed funding cuts meant it was now 'highly unlikely' that the cash would be available for the scheme.

Despite the fears, the council has decided to submit the planning application as it will stand for five years, giving more time to find cash.

Tony Wood, chairman of Blackburn Harriers, which is a key player in the scheme, said he understood the difficulties faced by the council but hoped the project could be given the green light, even if it was implemented in phases.

Witton Park already has a high-standard outdoor running track and it is the development of indoor facilities that Mr Wood sees as key.

He said: "Should we get this indoor track, I am certain more top class athletes will be produced in Blackburn and the surrounding areas.

“We have 500 members and 10 international athletes at Blackburn Harriers. We are the biggest and most successful club outside the two big cities of Liverpool and Manchester.

“But we don’t have the training facilities they have and our athletes have to travel there for their winter training.

“For athletes wanting to get to that next stage, winter training is vital to improve technical skills and conditioning.

“So training in their own town, where they can train up to four to five nights a week rather than travelling to Liverpool or Manchester once a week can only be a good thing.

“It will not only enhance the club but greatly improve athletics facilities for the community and for our local schools."

Blackburn with Darwen Council is facing the loss of a third of its budget because of public spending cuts.

Coun leader Kate Hollern said: said: “In the current climate it is highly unlikely that the funding will come through.

“But the planning application stands for five years, and who knows what the future may hold.”

Opposition Conservative group leader Michael Lee said his party would have pressed ahead with the plans if they were still in control.

He said: “It’s one of those investments into the future of the town.”