Work has been completed on the refurbishment of a town's sports courts.

Previously, there were two tennis courts and a football kickabout area at Heyhead Park in Brierfield.

The facilities were well used but in poor condition and awkward to reach with the only access to them via the opposite side of the main play area.

With tired chainlink fencing, retaining walls that needed rebuilding and flooding issues in heavy rain, a major project was required to make the facilities fit for purpose.

A public consultation was carried out, with the outcome being that there was not the demand for two tennis courts, and a multi-use games area (MUGA) would be an appropriate improvement to the park.

Cllr Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Council, said: “I’m delighted that with some kind cash contributions, we have been able to provide these much improved and much-needed sports facilities for Brierfield residents and visitors to Heyhead Park to enjoy.”

With a developer contribution and funds from the Nelson, Brierfield and Reedley Area Committee, the refurbishments have now been implemented.

These include:

  • New sports area mesh fencing and gates
  • New access paths from both sides of the sports courts
  • New drainage on all three sports courts
  • Retaining walls rebuilt
  • New MUGA installed for basketball and football
  • Complete resurface and line-marking of the tennis court and MUGA

Phil Riley, Pendle Council’s green spaces manager, added: “The facilities now are of a high standard and will hopefully encourage more Brierfield youngsters to take advantage of these outdoor activity and sports facilities.”

Councillor Zafar Ali, the Council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, added: “As a Brierfield councillor, I’m pleased that Nelson, Brierfield and Reedley Area Committee has found funds to be able to help create these much improved facilities and that the people of Brierfield will make the most of them.”