Services for young families in and around Chorley are to get a million pound boost.

Eccleston, Adlington, and Brinscall and Withnell are in line for new facilities in the third phase of Lancashire County Council's children's centre programme.

The programme has already established children's centres in Astley and Buckshaw, Clayton Brook, Coppull, Duke Street and at Highfield off Eaves Lane.

Now plans are in the design stage for satellite services at Eccleston Primary School and Adlington Library, and talks are being held with a view to creating services at Brinscall and Withnell Athletic and Recreation Association (BWARA).

Total build costs for the three centres, which aim to be up and running by March 2010, are expected to be about £900,000 with a further investment of £150,000 revenue funding.

The money will be spent on a new room at Eccleston Primary; an extension to Adlington Library; and a small extension at BWARA, if plans proceed.

Services will be designed according to local need and are likely to include access to early education and links to childcare, child and family health services, antenatal advice and support for pregnant women.

County Councillor Alan Whittaker, chairman of the county council and also chair of governors at Eccleston Primary, said: "This is great news for families in these more outlying areas of Chorley and I'm sure the centres will be very popular when they open.

"They bring together all the services for young families at the heart of local communities, which is exactly what you need if you've got a pushchair, shopping bags and children to contend with.”

Elizabeth Fletcher, headteacher at Eccleston Primary School, said: “We are very excited at the prospect of having the new children's centre here.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with, and support, the children and families from our school, and from the local community.”