COUNCILLORS have decided to press ahead with plans to build a �2.5million sports facility in Worle.

The Mercury exclusively revealed last week how the exciting project, proposed for the Worle Community School site off Redwing Drive, would include an artificial turf pitch with floodlighting, as well as a fitness gym, dance studio and multi-purpose sports room.

The William Knowles Centre in Winterstoke Road, Weston, and Banwell Pottery in West Street, Banwell, are set to close and their services will be moved to the new complex by September 2012.

This week North Somerset Council’s executive members agreed to press ahead with the plans.

The council says it will consult with users of both centres over the proposed move, but says the William Knowles Centre is old and no longer fit for purpose.

Council leader Nigel Ashton said at the meeting on Tuesday: “This is a good news story and something that many people will benefit from in future years. We are excited about it.”

The facilities would be available to the school and community and would also include indoor and outdoor changing rooms, a reception area, caf� and meeting rooms.

The council added in its report that the school sports facilities are not sufficient as they stand and some are beyond their useful life. By combining services at the new site it estimates a saving of �92,000 a year.

Money is also being sought from the FA for football pitches and other facilities.