VOLUNTEERS are wanted to help create a 'beautiful wildlife oasis' at the gateway to Rishton.

The Prospects panel in the area are planning a project to create a wildflower meadow at the site at Norden Bridge next to the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Project co-ordinator Colin Cooper said that the work aims to bring colour and attract people to the area.

The 82-year-old said: "We're hoping to bring some welcome colour for people coming into the area.

"We want to bring that blaze of colour and make it a beautiful site.

"We're hoping if we make the area more attractive more people will come to Rishton."

Rishton Prospects has also applied for a £300 grant from Lancashire County Council to help carry out the work.

Currently around 12 people are on the books with the nature group and it is estimated around 5 to 6 people would carry out the work each day.

Cllr Jeff Scales, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council and also volunteers with the nature group, said the work would help to improve the appearance of the area.

He said: "It should be a beautiful site for the area when it's all done.

"We want to make it a wildlife oasis for creatures such as butterflies, we're hoping to attract more animals and nurture wildlife in to make it really work.

"It's about the lifeblood of the community, now we need to get people to take responsibility themselves.

"We always try our best for the area, but it's down to people in the area to do their bit as well.

"We want to improve the area for the better, that's the aim for all over Rishton."

Work is set to take place in April or May and will take around six to eight weeks for the flowers to start to come through.

The environmental group is also currently carrying out work at Rishton train station including adding a number of flower beds.

The preparation for the garden has already began with local landscaping business Nurture providing the groundwork for the group to work on.

Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson had previously highlighted Rishton as an area to spend funds on improvement.

In February announced planned for a £500,000 facelift for Spring Street one of Hyndburn's 'historically worst streets'.

Cllr Parkinson said: "The prospects panel carry out some excellent work in the area such as at the train station and numerous sites across the area.

"It's great that they are working to make this area nice and beautiful for residents.

"It's great work by the volunteers involved and we should all be thankful for the work they're putting in."