A COMMUNITY group has called for a road leading into a popular Darwen park to be repaired.

Steve Duncan, chairman of the Whitehall Park supporters group, is appealing for the track leading from Whitehall Road to be improved.

This comes as the 57-strong team of volunteers are transforming the area to encourage families to use it on a regular basis.

Mr Duncan, who has lived in the town for more than 28 years, said the responsibility for the road is with Blackburn and Darwen Council and the group cannot make alterations to it.

Mr Duncan said if work was completed it would encourage people who pass the park from that side to enter.

He said: “Improvements would really enhance the park and that whole side of the road.

“We’ve done so much already and are working really hard to get the park looking as beautiful as possible.

“A patterned cobble pattern would be great to use as it would compliment the bridge.

“The railings alongside the road, which looks like a dirt track, would also have to be replaced.

“It would also be beneficial for the houses on the other side of Whitehall Road, it would look more inviting.

“We know the council do not have a lot of money and funds are spread thin as it is.

“We think there’s about 50 yards worth of road to refurbish, but surely there must be some available.”

This is one of many areas of development under the groups plan for the next 12 months.

The team aims to de-silt the ponds and resurface paths along the ponds edge.

Regular events have now been organised within the park, including a wine tasting event, a photographic competition and a summer barbecue.

A children’s gardening club is set to be opened next month.

A community garden is also proposed for the site to allow people to grow edible plants and raise awareness about healthy food.

Mr Duncan said: “If people see us doing things more and more often then they will be encouraged to take part.

“If youngsters want to get involved then their parents end up rolling up their sleeves too."

A borough council spokesman said that due to 'budgetary constraints', the authority is not able to undertake work on this road at the moment.