THE What We Want for Holmes Chapel (www4HC) project – which aims to save sporting and community facilities in the village – received strong support at the annual Village Fair on May 4.

The latest plans for the AP Club site were on show at the event and over 80 visitors completed feedback forms, with only 1pc saying they did not support the project.

The community have been fighting to retain the facilities since the club closed back in December, and a project team, made up of twenty volunteers, has been tasked with moving the Save the AP Club campaign forward.

Clr Steve Ranger, Chairman of Holmes Chapel Parish Council, said: “There was overwhelming support for the project. The view was that we need to replace what we have lost due to the closure of the AP Club and also build for the future of this growing community.

“The project is seen as complementary to the facilities we already have in the village and takes a view of the community’s total requirements. Many people commented that they or their partner worked out of the village; hence they want leisure, sports and social activities locally.

“The importance of providing facilities for all ages was stated as being very important.”

The project team will finalise its proposals in early June and then present them to the community for comment. The plans will be displayed in the village, a questionnaire will be sent to every house, and there will be two public meetings to enable residents to express their views.

Clr Ranger added: “We need to submit a formal bid by the end of July, so there is a lot of work to do.”

For more information regarding the project contact Clr Ranger on steverranger@gmail.com or 078 5000 3869.