A NEW sports development could be set up to boost Bolton Institute's chances of becoming a university.

Council chiefs are in discussion with the Institute over an idea to establish facilities at Deane School.

The Institute wants to improve its sports provision if it is to become a university.

And council chiefs see this as the ideal opportunity to improve the set up at Deane School and for it to be used by the community.

Mr Peter Stybelski, Bolton's director of leisure services, said: "It is very much early days yet, but it is an exciting scheme. We are trying to set up a partnership between the council, the Institute and the school to discuss the proposals." Dr Bob Oxtoby, Bolton Institute principal added: "We are currently in discussions to see if there is any mileage in this idea."

Mr Derek O'Brien, head of Deane School, said: "We are keen to be associated with the Institute as a centre of excellence, particularly if it becomes a university. Talks are very much at a preliminary stage."

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