Council offers Accrington academy lifeline

Accrington Stanley announced last week that their academy would be closing

Accrington Stanley's academy could be saved from closure by a grant from Hyndburn Council.

The League Two club announced last week that it would be forced to close the academy as a cost-cutting measure.

That came amid a row with the council over the loss of revenue from use of club facilities for non-matchday events, after the council revoked its entertainment licence following noise complaints from neighbours.

The council said on Tuesday it would stump up the £140,000 which it said in a statement would "be the figure required to keep the Academy operational for the next 12 months."

The council statement also said: "Like many, we are deeply concerned about the impact this decision will have on young people and families from Hyndburn.

"As mentioned in our previous statement, upon hearing this news we immediately contacted Accrington Stanley FC to ascertain more information on the reasoning behind the decision and to offer the council's support to save the academy from closure.

"We have therefore asked that Accrington Stanley FC gives urgent consideration to this offer and respond as soon as possible so that we can work together to avoid irreversible consequences.

"We have also contacted the EFL to express our commitment to the Academy and the club, and to request their support in helping safeguard both."

Accrington Stanley have been contacted by the BBC for comment.