AN APPLICATION to extend Avon Ski Centre has been backed by Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council, amid fears that it could lose customers to the new �50million Leisuredome being planned in Weston.

Bosses at the Churchill centre want to make the current building bigger to centralise all its facilities, including its first aid area and equipment storage, which are currently housed at various points across the complex. Better disabled access and a new block of toilets would also be installed but plans for a new nursery slope have been dropped.

Although concerns have been raised by parish councillors over new balconies which residents fear could lead to more noise in the area, they say they are keen to back the business in the face of stiff new competition posed by the Leisuredome which looks set to open on the outskirts of Locking.

Councillor Steve Bridges said: “We should be encouraging our businesses. I believe it does need updating and it should be considered whether updating it will give it enough against the beast at Weston and a chance to be competitive.”

The parish council’s vote was split 5-5, but planning committee chairman Archie Forbes gave the casting vote in favour of the proposal. It will now be considered by North Somerset Council’s south area committee later this month.