A CHILDREN’S play park has been officially re-opened after being given a £162,000 makeover.

Snig Hole Park, at the junction of Helmshore Road and Free Lane, Helmshore, has been fitted with an improved drainage system and new equipment for toddlers.

The project was funded through a £30,000 grant from the Lancashire Environment Fund (LEF) and £132,000 in section 106 funds connected to two nearby housing developments.

Helmshore residents formed a Friends of Snig Hole Park group to support Haslingden community interest company Proffitt’s and Holcombe Village-based contractors Groundwork Landscapes in completing the revamp.

Yvonne Cox, chair of the friends’ group, said: “We are delighted that the work is complete and the playground is open again.

“It has been a long process to get to this point, but the end result is worth every one of the sleepless nights. I’m sure everyone who uses the park will agree.

“We’d like to thank the local residents, who were very patient whilst the work on site was underway. It’s great to see the play area in action.”

The Mayor of Rossendale, Coun Amanda Robertson, performed a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the play area - also known as Helmshore Memorial Park - last Thursday.

She was assisted by Tom Bacon and Conner Westerman, from Helmshore Primary School, and Georgie Linley and Aliyaan Ghani of St. Veronica’s RC Primary School, whose art is on display at the entrance to the park.

Alison McEwan, from Proffitt’s, said: “It has been a great project to work on. The friends’ group have been so committed to the project, and the village has taken the project to heart.”

Other contributions to the refurbishment came from Rossendale Council, County Coun David Stansfield, and Valley businesses Rossendales, Solomon Commercials, Camfil, Neary’s and John Beames.