THE final phase of improvements works have begun on playing fields in Milnshaw.

Hyndburn Council set aside £400,000 for an 18-month project to redevelop Higham playing fields off Thorneyholme Road.

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The fields close to Laneside Estate had become unusable because of severe problem with drainage.

Work to install better drainage on the fields has now been completed and developers plan to move on to the second and final stage to landscape the soil bay areas and sow grass.

Community leaders praised the project, which will hopefully encourage young people to get the most out of the green space.

Milnshaw Cllr Paul Cox said: "I’m really happy to see this next stage get under way.

"This phase will see the existing storage walls dismantled which will be followed up with landscaping and a fresh layer of topsoil creating a fantastic feature."

Play equipment, playing surfaces and a cycle route through to Huncoat have also been installed.

Jean Somerville, from the Laneside residents association, said: "We are a little organisation and try to improve the works that go on in the area.

"We were very happy when we found out that funding was provided and this will make it better for the residents in the area.

"Other projects have been completed and we have seen children's play areas completely redeveloped."

The improvements to the field comes as part of a council run project to try and regenerate green spaces across the borough.

Cllr Paul Cox said: "This is yet more commitment from a Labour controlled council to ensure we have the best facilities in Hyndburn.

"I’m constantly looking at more ways to improve the Laneside area for all to benefit."