A COUNCILLOR is celebrating a £111,000 investment in a children’s park, but claims another £139,000 of ‘his’ money has gone missing.

Lib Dem Roy Davies said £240,000 section 106 money generated by housing work in Anyon Street, Darwen, was last year earmarked for improvements in the Sudell ward.

But this week he has been told the pot now stands at only £111,000 by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Section 106 agreements are made between developers and councils where a developer provides contributions to offset negative impacts caused by construction.

Coun Davies said: “Over £130,000 has gone elsewhere and I’m really concerned.

"That money was labelled up as for the Sudell ward.

“The money was generated by the building work in Anyon Street.

"The people of this ward have had to put up with mess and lorries going up and down for years, and so they should be the ones to benefit from the money.

“It’s my money. I’m in a deprived ward. I want whatever I can get to help my residents.”

Coun Davies believes the missing money has been spent on projects elsewhere in the town.

A council spokeswoman said section 106 money is put in a centalised pot and not designated to specific areas.

The remaining £111,000 will be spent improving sporting facilities in Olive Lane Park by an installation of a bicycle track, an artificial cricket pitch and new markings for a variety of sports to the current multi-use games area on Olive Lane.

Coun Davies said: “I hope this will do something to improve cohesion.

"The problem in this area is that there is nothing for a lot of people in the Asian community who like cricket.

“There have also been complaints to me about cricket ball nuissance in the Perry Street area, so hopefully the cricket pitch will sort it out.”

Brian Bailey, director of regeneration, said: “Investment will also be made to Sudell Community Centre, which will have new markings added to the games area at the rear of the centre, improved fencing and a small crèche/play area installed.”