A DERELICT fountain is to be brought back to life for a day, as a sign of increased confidence in a park which became a no-go area for some local residents.

The great fountain, just inside the main entrance of Blackburn's Corporation Park, could be spouting water 20ft into the air for the first time in decades, during a community fun day on August 11.

The event is being held to celebrate the work done to create a safe atmosphere in the park and to tackle crime in the surrounding area.

Corporation Park hit rock bottom last year after gaining a reputation for vandals, robbers and sex pests. But police and the local community have worked hard to improve the situation and give the beautiful setting a new lease of life.

A Park Watch group has been set up to try and drive crime out of the area and report incidents to the police.

The great fountain is believed to have been lying redundant for about forty years. It was one of four fountains donated by the Mayor of Blackburn, William Pilkington, when the park opened in 1857.

But it was turned off because water blew on to people sitting on nearby benches during windy days.

The community day has been organised by police, Park Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and local councillor Doreen Taylor and follows the success of a similar event at Ashton Park in Darwen.

As well as crime prevention displays and charity stalls, there will be a Punch and Judy show, a roadshow from Blackburn nightclub Utopia, a bowling competition, marquees, face painting and a visit from the Lancashire Police mounted branch.

Park Watch co-ordinator Stan Mills, said: "There are other things in the pipeline as well. "A lot of work has been done to improve the area and we just want to get the local community into the park to remind them how lovely it is and to have a good time."

Any local charities who want to hire a stall for the fun day can contact Stan on 682525.

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