Plans to build a sports complex in Formby are “progressing well”

May 12 2010 by John Siddle, Formby Times

PLANS to build a multimillion pound community sports complex at Formby FC are “progressing well”, says the club’s owner.

Business tycoon Dave Webster, along with club co-owner Hugh McAuley, has drawn up a scheme that would see a £5m sporting academy created at the Altcar Road club.

The businessman spoke to the Times after a planning application for a temporary two-year permit to use land for football and rugby was pulled.

He said: “We withdrew the application because we felt there was no point proceeding with it, given that we will hopefully have a full scheme to submit in the next few months.

“We are working very closely with the council, there is no animosity and we feel that they are listening and trying to work with us in the best interests of the community.”

The new scheme will see an indoor sports facility and centre of excellence built, free to children under 16.

The professional footballers’ association and top footballers including Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher are also supporting the development.