MEMBERS of a rugby club for youngsters have backed plans for improved sports facilities in Westhoughton.

Westhoughton Lions has released a statement of support for proposals to relocate and revamp Westhoughton cricket club.

The move is part of plans submitted by food giant Sainsbury's who want to build a store on the cricket club's current site, off Cricketer's Way, in Westhoughton.

A new clubhouse and facilities would be created on 13-acre playing fields at The Hoskers as part of the agreement.

Westhoughton Lions have been promised access to the new ground if plans get the go-ahead from Bolton Council.

Lions development officer, John Brownlow, said: "Westhoughton Lions will benefit from access to a modern clubhouse with changing facilities. With a recognisable hub for its activities, we can recruit and retain more members from Westhoughton and surrounding areas."

The amateur rugby league club, which has more than 100 players, aged 5-17, currently has a full-sized pitch in nearby Southfield Drive. But it does not have toilets, showers or mains access, meaning that it does not fulfil Rugby Football League (RFL) requirements to host an adult team.

The club started with a single under-eights team in 1997 and has since expanded to include female and teenage players. Members hope that the new facilities will allow them to continue growing.

RFL North West development officer, Matt Birkett, has also backed the plans. He said: "To enable Westhoughton Lions to grow and service the local community, they desperately require a much-improved facility."

The club has also received support from the Wigan and Leigh Rugby League Service Area (RLSA).

The supermarket plans, which would see a 25,000 sq ft Sainsbury's store created in the town, were widely welcomed during a consultation with Westhoughton residents, which was hosted by developers last month (MARCH!!).

However, they have been met with opposition from some local shopkeepers, who fear that the store will drive business away from the high street.

The plans are due to be submitted to council planners this month.