Construction company Kier Northern has been appointed by Rossendale Borough Council (RBC) to deliver two leisure schemes worth £5.6m.

A new swimming pool for Haslingden Sports Centre and new fitness facilities for Marl Pits in Rawtenstall are to be created as part of the project. Kier Northern, which was responsible for the construction of Heywood Sports Village, was selected by the council from four bidding companies.

Plans for the new leisure facilities are to be considered by councillors on 13 December, with work scheduled to commence 'within weeks' if approved. RBC portfolio holder for leisure Jason Gledhill said: "This is one of the key milestones in the leisure project.

"The new facilities will actually save the council money, because we won't have the expense of maintaining outdated facilities." Mouchel is also working on the scheme.

Image: Concept designs for the new Haslingden facilities