ROSSENDALE Council is to meet next month to discuss a plan to create a citizens' army dedicated to improving parks.

Councillors know the area's many parks need extra cash so they are signing up members of the public to make it easier to get grant awards.

Loveclough residents recently established their own action group for Loveclough Park where it is hoped to erect new fencing around the two hard-surface tennis courts.

It is also hoped to convert one of the courts so it can also be used for five-a-side football.

It is hoped to set up a similar group in the New Year for Victoria Park in Haslingden where improvements are needed on the children's play area.

Gillian Smith, Rossendale Council's assistant parks officer, said: "This approach is the model of the future.

"The advantage of involving the public is that it is the best way to attract external finance. Rossendale has some lovely parks, but they cost a lot of money to maintain and improve."

The Loveclough group was established after council staff distributed leaflets around the village. Members will meet again in February.

Gillian added: "Involving the community gives people a sense of ownership and, importantly, there is money available which the council cannot get on its own."

Anyone wishing to get involved in Loveclough or Haslingden -- or any other area with parks and open spaces -- should contact Gillian on 01706 244675 or 01706 244559.