SENIOR councillors are expected to discuss a major sports development behind closed doors on Wednesday afternoon.

The ambitious vision for the Ruskin Drive sportsground in Dentons Green, which secured planning permission a year ago, will be discussed by the council's cabinet.

When approval was granted by the planning committee last year, the proposals for a multi-million pound transformation included a new third generation floodlit rugby league pitch, a football pitch with spectator stand, new pavilion with changing rooms, squash courts, renovated tennis courts.

Sources close to the scheme have told the Star it may be scaled back for funding reasons, but the council has refused to be drawn into details surrounding the development.

A council spokesman said: β€œThe council had made a firm commitment to the project – which will be considered at the cabinet meeting.”

However, council leader Barrie Grunewald expressed hope the plans will gather pace when addressing full council last week.

A long standing detail of the plan is that Pilkington Recs ARLFC, who now play at Ruskin after moving out of their City Road home in 2011 ahead of the land being sold to property developers, will be given modernised facilities to use.

It has also been suggested that St Helens Town, the football club which currently plays outside the borough, could relocate there thanks to the investment.

Under the Local Government Act 1972 the council can exclude the public and press from meetings when exempt information concerning the financial or business affairs of any particular person is being considered.