A FLAGSHIP sports village could be created in a town to replace older athletics venues destined to be sold to raise much-needed cash.

The Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit and Prissick Skate Park, in Marton Road, would be extended to include a 400metre running track, five-aside pitches, health and tennis club.

The Clairville Stadium and Tennis World site is expected to be sold to developers for housing and business use.

Middlesbrough Council said they would not close until the new facilities opened.

The scheme was first aired at a recent meeting of Middlesbrough Council, when Mayor Ray Mallon outlined proposals to save more than £50m over four years as a result of Government cuts.

The draft plan proposes about 200 houses on the site of the former Ladgate Lane depot and adjacent land to the west. The development will feature a link road from Ladgate Lane that would reduce traffic congestion in Marton Road and help with access and parking problems at The James Cook University Hospital.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: "We know how important sports facilities like Clairville are to the people of Middlesbrough, and they have become part of the fabric of the town.

"But all such facilities have a lifespan, and when they near the end of that term, they become increasingly costly and inefficient tomaintain.

"This masterplan outlines what will replace them - a 21st Century centre of excellence with state-of-the-art facilities which will be a major attraction and asset to the town for many years."

A report on the proposals will be considered by Middlesbrough Council's Executive when it meets on Tuesday. Subject to executive approval, a detailed masterplan will be drawn up and consultation undertaken, with an update on progress due in the spring.