A volunteer-run leisure complex that was saved from closure has plans to build a bowling alley and a BMX track.

Slam, in Willington, County Durham, has enjoyed a successful first year in business after council chiefs handed the run-down complex to community trustees last January.

Staff numbers have since trebled and a newly-built cafe and multi-use games area will open in March to cope with a surge in demand.

Slam (Spectrum Leisure and Management) chairman Ian Hirst, however, has ambitious plans to carry on renovation of the 1980s complex. The 46-year-old said: “There are no fat cat directors here, everything we make goes back into the complex.

“Hopefully we can turn the old ski slope into a BMX track that is a standard good enough for competition.

“The bowling green will not be returning as it is not cost effective.

“We would like to build an extension of the building and have a bowling alley.”

The planned revamp would replace overgrown dilapidated areas that surround the complex.

Mr Hirst, a retired police officer with Durham Constabulary, is also the founding member of the Wear Valley Basketball Club and has won several awards for his coaching.

He hopes to continue popular outreach work with dance mats and tackle obesity among young people.

“We’ve got to get away from the idea of being a sports centre, we’ve got to be seen as a leisure complex and able to give people more options,” he said.

“What we want is a 21st Century facility for a 21st Century community.

“We can’t go back to the old roller disco days, not that there is anything wrong with that, but it would be like getting stuck in a time warp.

“Willington has been through its bad times and is now turning into a vibrant community.”

Mr Hirst has not made plans for the old miner’s welfare hall and welcomes suggestions from residents and businesses.

The complex can be contacted on 01388-747000.