Plans to create a multi-million pound sports centre in Heckmondwike have been shelved.

Months of wrangling between the developer and Kirklees Council over the site have broken down.

Ballpark Leisure Ltd wanted to create a sports complex on recreation ground off Dale Lane, Heckmondwike, which is owned by the Council.

But they were unable to satisfy councillors the plans were workable.

Deputy council leader John Smithson said negotiations with Ballpark had "reached the point of no return".

He added: "We had agreed that we would be prepared to lease or sell the land for use as a sports centre.

"But that has proved impossible.

"We are waiting to see if another developer comes forward and expresses interest in the site."

The play area on the site may now be cleaned up and possibly a ball wall installed, he said, The man behind the scheme, managing director Zoltan Biricz, earlier told the Telegraph & Argus that he had struck a deal in principle to lease the 10-acre site.

But despite making alterations in an attempt to prove there would be a benefit to the local community, Mr Biricz's scheme has fallen through.

The plans included floodlit five-a-side pitches and a multi-purpose sports hall.

One of the five outdoor pitches would have been exclusively for community use at no charge.

People living within a half-mile radius of the centre would receive discounts on single activities, such as aerobics classes and circuit training.

Heckmondwike councillor David Sheard said it was a pity something which would have been such an advantage to the town had fallen through.

"The developer has been after a site in the area for some time - I think this was probably their third one," he said.

"All three ward councillors were behind the plans as we have had problems with that bit of land in the past, such as flytipping.

"Also it would have improved the play area and made it safer for local children to use."

Ballpark Leisure was unavailable for comment.