Pledge over recreation facilities

Existing recreation facilities in an area of Staffordshire will not close until replacements are open, a council backing a new sports village has said.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is supporting proposals for a £17m scheme on land off Knutton Lane, Knutton.

A pool, sports hall, pitches, tennis courts and a bowling green are likely to be included.

Existing facilities at Jubilee Baths and Knutton Recreation Centre will not shut until replacements are completed.

Fitness suite

The borough council is working with Newcastle College and Staffordshire County Council to develop the project.

No final decisions have been taken, but the village is also likely to include a learner pool, a health and fitness suite and dance studio, children's play area, cafe, changing areas, cycle ways and walkways.

As well as the three main partners, other groups will need to get involved if the scheme is to become a reality, the borough council said.

Sport England, the Football Association, Renew and North Staffs Regeneration Zone have already shown an interest, the council added.