Village leaders and council bosses have struck a deal to keep the popular Coppull Leisure Centre, in Springfield Road, Coppull, open for another 12 years.

The complex had faced an uncertain future after it emerged the current lease was due to run out in less than two years.

Coppull councillor Ken Ball, who fought to keep the facility open, said: "The leisure centre is very important to the village and we are delighted that the future of it is safe.

"Over the past few years the centre has been transformed and the people of Coppull have really made it their own.

"Chorley Council and Community Leisure Services, who run it, have pulled out all the stops to improve the facilities here and it is great to see that the future looks bright."

In the past, the facility has been blighted with gangs of yobs hanging around the site causing a nuisance.

A designation order was introduced earlier this year, banning outdoor drinking in the area, and Coun Ball said the situation had improved dramatically.

Also, work has just finished on the first phase of a £250,000 regeneration project to create a new multi-sports pitch, skate park and sensory garden at the site.

Coun Ball said: "In the past, Coppull Leisure Centre has had to rely on people coming from outside the parish just to keep it open.

"But now, thanks to all the work that has gone on at the site, we are getting more people than ever."

Coun John Walker, Chorley Council's executive member for people, said: "Coppull Leisure Centre is a fantastic facility and we are entering into negotiations to safeguard its future. The current lease is due to run out in 2011 but we are hoping to extend this in line with our other leisure centres until 2020.

"It's great news for the people of Coppull who will continue to have a popular leisure centre on their doorstep."