LYDNEY'S top sports clubs are to be offered commercial leases to safeguard their futures on the town's Recreation Ground.

Lydney mayor Bob Berryman said offering the town's football, cricket, rugby, tennis and angling clubs leases for the land they currently use would give them additional rights, protect their interests and enable them to tap into possible funding streams.

He said: "We are lucky to have some very successful clubs and I think it's important they get council support."

The Recreation Ground is looked after by the town's recreation trust on behalf of the Charity Commission.

Mr Berryman said the council was also keen to improve drainage on the Recreation Ground themselves using section 106 funds.

This is money that developers must provide for the good of the town as a result of recent building projects.

Lydney Town Football Club spokesman Adrian Bishop said his club would certainly be interested in negotiating a lease for themselves on The Rec.

"We need security of tenure and this is progress," he said.

"By 2012 we would like under-cover seating for 50 people, with the capacity to go up to 100, plus hard-standing around the pitch.

"Once we have a lease we can apply to the Football Foundation for grants. We estimate what we want to do will cost around £100,000."

Andrew Davis of Lydney Cricket Club added: "We won't commit to anything until we have gone through the terms with a fine tooth comb, but we are receptive to the offer and it seems like a big step forward.

"At the moment, if they told us they were turning our ground into a dog walking area we could do nothing about it. With this, at least we know we will be here for the next 25 years, or however long the lease is."

Lydney Rugby Club use the Recreation Ground for some senior and junior matches as well as training.

Chairman John Nelmes also supported the idea in principle, saying: "It's in the best interest of the sports community.

"The Recreation Ground provides the sports people of the town with a marvellous facility, with five clubs within walking distance of each other.

"We've got to protect it for the future for the town."