AMBITIOUS plans for a much-needed family centre and play park in one of Copeland’s most deprived wards have moved a step closer this week.

Council chiefs have agreed to transfer a parcel of land for the sum of £1 to a family charity which works to tackle child poverty across the borough.

Staff and volunteers at the Howgill Family Centre want to extend their nursery building and transform the land at Kells into an outdoor play area with a parking area.

The organisation has eight sites across the borough but has struggled in Kells because of a lack of available venues.

The charity now has a “limited” venue here which has been described as inadequate, oversubscribed and rundown.

Now that looks set to change after Copeland council’s executive agreed to approve in principle to the transfer of the freehold area which is part of the King George V playing field.

Coun David Moore, executive portfolio-holder for nuclear and corporate services, said: “This is an opportunity for us to use an asset that we have, transfer it at less than best price to an organisation that wish to expand to provide better outdoor playing area to provide extra community benefit.”

The extended centre will work with families to tackle poverty, providing accommodation for partner agencies.

It will host a nursery, training and meeting rooms for the community, office space and a therapy room.

The Howgill Family Centre have already bought the 1960s library building at Kells but this has “limited potential” without the planned expansion.

A notice must also be given of the plans and the public invited to make comments before a decision is reached.

Because the land disposal is at less than best value, the Secretary of State must also agree to it.

However, a general consent has been issued which allows local authorities to dispose of land for below market value if its new use supports the well-being of communities.

All Executive decisions have a five-day call-in period so no decisions are confirmed until after that period has expired.

A covenant was signed with the former landowner the Lonsdale Estate that safeguards the land’s continuing use for community benefit.

Howgill Family Centre has provided support to children and families across Copeland since 1977, piloting the Sure Start programme.

The charity now delivers the county council’s Early Help Programme for children across the borough.