FULL details of a £40,000 refurbishment scheme of Memorial Gardens in Barnoldswick have been unveiled.

The gardens, opened 60 years ago to remember those killed in the Second World War, have not been well maintained over the years.

Debbie Taylor, of Pendle Council, said: “The Diamond Jubilee celebrations present an opportunity to invest in the gardens to create an inviting and peaceful environment to encourage users to enjoy the space as a place to reflect.”

The works would include removing the dwarf wall frontage and installing one metre high black railings, opening up views to the site. The entrance gate will be re-painted.

A grass strip between the boundary wall and the pedestrian highway will be paved to prevent dog fouling. Footpaths will be improved and re-layed if need be and the benches will be replaced.

The memorial stone will be cleaned and re-worded, and a second stone or plaque will be created to commemorate the donors of the land.

There will also be a main feature to be erected on the semi-circular elevated platform at the rear of the garden. Around £8,500 is to be spent on providing lighting in the gardens.

Coun David Whipp said: “The lighting is felt to be necessary because, after talking to neighbours, the gardens have become a bit of drinking den and they feel that if it was lit then it would be more beneficial.”

The West Craven Area Committee will now look at ways of raising the £40,000 required for all of the work to go ahead.