7:30am Wednesday 10th March 2010
By Alex Willmott
PLANS to revitalise a Rossendale village with a state-of-the-art play area have been unveiled.
Residents have been adding the finishing touches to designs for the scheme in Hill Street as part of a large-scale consultation to revamp the Crawshawbooth.
Members of Crawshawbooth Environment Association have read 400 questionnaires handed in by residents with design ideas.
The plans include swings, a springy seesqaw, climbing ropes, slides, hand-rails, bike racks, shrub planting, seating and litter bins.
Coun Peter Steen, environmental portfolio holder at Rossendale Council, said: “This project is part of our ongoing play strategy in the borough.
“The play area at Hill Street Crawshawbooth was identified as a priority for a full improvement scheme.
“Community consulta-tion is a crucial part of the process – residents and those who will use the play area should help to decide what improvements are made and the play equipment they want.”
Though the funding for the improvements has not been secured, Crawshawbooth Environment Association will use the plans and consultation results to secure cash from the Community Spaces Trust this month.
The council has also appointed specialist fund raising company Proffitts to help manage the project.
Coun Alyson Barnes, who lives in the village, said: “Everyone I have spoken to about the proposals thinks they are fantastic.
“They especially like the natural elements that the play area will bring.”
Community consultation has been ongoing since November when the 400 questionnaires were distributed to local homes.
Residents can still comment on the plans by visiting www.proffittscic.com.
The project is due to be completed by March 2011.
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