APPLETON'S sports club has been given the go ahead for an overhaul.

Broomfields Leisure Centre has been granted permission to revamp and extend its car park and outside area.

The decision was made by Warrington Borough Council planning department.

Neil Anderson, head of leisure at Warrington Borough Council, said: "We fully recognise that there are aspects of Broomfields Leisure Centre which clearly need updating and we are very hopeful that 2006 will see the start of this process.

According to Appleton parish councillors, the site has not benefited from extra funding since Warrington Borough Council took over the running of leisure facilities in 1998.

Meanwhile, centre users say they have watched the building deteriorate in recent years.

Mary Arnold, who is one of 250,000 members, said: "The reception area is especially unappealing, while seating looks positively unsanitary.

"My club members and I have witnessed a steady deterioration."

Concerns have also been fuelled by rumours that the centre has been neglected as part of a council scheme to sell off the town's leisure facilities.

Three attempts to secure an environmental improvement fund from the local authority failed in 2004, 2005 and 2006 - despite backing from Appleton councillors.

Judith Walker parish and borough councillor, said: "The parking, access and facilities are in third world condition but the centre has been unable to get any money out of the council. It is certainly a problem. The future of leisure services has been flagged up time and time again and despite attempts to form a separate trust, the money has never been made available." It is a well-used and popular venue for adults and children, but it has fallen in to a poor condition."