Residents in Rossendale are being urged to give their thoughts on plans for major improvements at a park in the borough.

Rossendale Borough Council is drafting a masterplan for improvements at Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall.

It is working alongside various partners including Friends of Whitaker Park, the Whitaker Park Museum, Civic Pride Rossendale, the Rossendale Leisure Trust, and Incredible Edible on the project.

The plans are in very early stages and residents are being encouraged to give their views early on to make sure the changes are best suited to the community’s needs.

Councillor Liz McInnes, who is also a member of Friends of Whitaker Park, said: ‘’We’re really looking forward to working with residents on the project to enhance and upgrade Whitaker Park.

“Our parks help improve the mental and physical wellbeing of local people of all ages, and we would love to see more people visit and enjoy spending time in this wonderful green space.

“We have some idea of the changes people would like to see, but we’d really love to get more feedback and suggestions from visitors too.’’

Feedback about the plans will help determine which improvements should be tackled first and help to prioritise the remaining suggestions.

Sue Shuttleworth, from Friends of Whitaker Park, added: ’We’re really excited to support any improvements at Whitaker Park.

“The park has been part of Rawtenstall life for over a Century and it provides us all with somewhere to meet, play, exercise, socialise and enjoy being outdoors.

“We know not all of the suggested improvements can take place at once, and the work is dependent on successful fundraising, but it’s wonderful to see the plans come together.

“We’re thrilled the park will be able to support the wellbeing of our community for many more years to come.’’

Copies of the masterplan are on show in the park, along with a QR code people can scan to give their views in a survey, with copies also available at the Whitaker Café and Rawtenstall Café.

All information about the project can be found by visiting the community projects section of the Proffitts CIC website, or by calling 07989 928038.