A BID to create five football pitches and an extra cricket pitch on the fringe of Ripley village, between Harrogate and Ripon, has been kicked into touch.

A plan put forward by Ripley Cricket Club, which had the support of Sir Thomas Ingilby, of Ripley Castle, was rejected by Harrogate Borough Council.

Agent for the applicants Justin Park told the meeting the plan had won backing from Mark Hardcastle, described by Mr Park as previously being sports development manager for the council.

Mr Park said the venture would provide football facilities for 250 children, not just from Ripley but a wider area including Hampsthwaite, Burton Leonard, Scotton and Birstwith.

Planning officer Anne Smith, responding to questions from councillors about facilities on the site, said: "There is not enough there for the number of bodies there will be around."

Ripley Parish Council criticised lack of information accompanying the application.