An indoor tennis centre could be built at Stafford Sports College in Rising Brook.

The need for a new tennis and netball centre has been identified by consultants who have been looking at provision of sports facilities in the borough.

The borough council’s cabinet last night agreed to put the report by Kit Campbell Associates out for consultation.

Cabinet member for leisure Councillor Mike Smith warned that it was not yet council policy.

Council leader councillor Judith Dalgarno said that the report would be used to decide where facilities should be provided if money became available.

The consultants found there are 650 regular tennis players in the area and the Staffordshire Lawn Tennis Association has identified a need for a four-court indoor centre in Stafford.

Councillor Smith said the sports college scheme would cost between £700,000 and £800,000 with much of the money coming from the LTA and grants.

The council would be asked to put in some money from Section 106 agreements but as capital only and not with any revenue implications. A condition might be for the centre to also be used for netball and indoor bowls.

The report also recommends the council to consider creating a country park within the borough close to the River Trent or Penk.

It also recommends replacing play areas in Victoria Park in Stafford with a new facility for children and teenagers, including a skateboarding area.

A linked network of walking and cycling routes is also suggested.