A playground in Bamber Bridge which has been hit by vandalism, is to undergo a £350,000 revamp which will feature a new play area and a lake.

Under the plans for Withy Grove Park, the play area will be re-located from its present site near Withy Grove Close to a site close to Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre.

The proposal follows consultation with residents after the palyground had been plagued by vandalism by gangs of youths which meant some of the facilities had to be closed down.

There are also plans to include installing a lake with wildlife features in which schoolchildren will be able carry out nature lessons.

William Guffogg, 64, who lives nearby on Withy Grove Close, said: "It's a lovely piece of land and it's about time something was done.

"The playground barely gets used at the moment unless it is by young people drinking on it at night.

"Hopefully moving the park will deter the youths from going on."

The plans, which have been rubber stamped by South Ribble councillors, are part of a £6.6million revamp of parks in the borough, over the next 15 years. Leyland's Worden Park, and Hurst Grange Park, Penwortham, are also in line for a make-over.

Councillor David Howarth, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: "The best ideas come from residents and visitors and I am looking forward to finding out what people think of the proposals, and how they can be improved upon."

In Preston, Avenham Park and Miller Park have already been granted £2.7m from the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of a £4.9m restoration of the city's parks including a new pavilion in Avenham Park.