THE public will be able to find out about Pendle's parks and playgrounds this weekend when the council's Parks, Cemeteries and Outdoor Recreation section at Marsden Hall Farm, Walton Lane, Nelson, opens for visitors.

Staff will be on hand both Saturday and Sunday morning to answer inquiries about the 11 public parks, 39 playgrounds, dozens of council-owned green spaces, plus the cricket and football pitches and the fishing lakes that the council operates.

Inquiries can be made in person or by telephone, between 9am and 12.30pm. Telephone inquiries can be made on 01282 661600.

Colin Patten, manager of the council's Parks, Cemeteries and Outdoor Recreation, said: "This initiative has come as a direct result of consultation with our stakeholders during our Fundamental Service Review (Best Value). It is a case of 'they have said and we have done.' Furthermore, there are no additional costs with this

scheme."

"Last summer we introduced a 7-day-a-week rota system for the maintenance of the borough's 11 parks and 6 cemeteries, plus the numerous sports and facilities.

"This new idea to open on weekends is part of the plan we have to continually improve the quality of the services we provide local people."