Rejuvenation plan for Accrington's Peel Park

4:46pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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RESIDENTS have been urged to help decide how the area around their homes can be improved - with anything from a nature reserve to allotments.

Lancashire County Council is producing a masterplan for to improve access, recreation facilities, woodland and conservation management and heritage in the area around Peel Park, Accrington.

Plans will focus on re-vamping the area which stretches across Hillock Bank Quarry, the Coppice, Plantation Wood and the remains of Arden Hall.

The county council's REMADE derelict land reclamation team are now at the stage where they need the views of the public on what they would like to see happen in the area.

Leaflets and a questionnaire will be distributed to people who live close to the site and these will also be available at an unmanned exhibition together with a display, at different venues this month.

Residents will also get the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the project and at a staffed exhibition. The council say ideas such as creating a nature reserve, improving footpaths, creating recreational facilities and upgrading allotments are all possibilities, but residents are welcome to make their own suggestions.

Following the initial consultation, a draft masterplan will be produced and will be subject to further consultation later in the summer. It is hoped that work on improving the site will start in 2009, coinciding with the centenary of the dedication of Peel Park to the people of Hyndburn.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for environment and transportation, said: "People are always surprised when they see what can be achieved through the REMADE scheme.

"We have already transformed acres of derelict land in Church and now people in the Peel Park area are set to benefit.

"This is a crucial stage in the development of the plans and what people tell us now can help shape the future of the area for years to come."

The scheme is being developed in partnership with Hyndburn Council and other key stakeholders including Lancashire Wildlife Trust. It is part of a seven year scheme to renovate underused or derelict areas around the county.

Coun Lynn Wilson, Hyndburn Council's Cabinet Member for Parks, said: "This is a major project for the area, and we want as many people as possible to have their say about what they'd like to see happen in Peel Park, so please fill in the questionnaire or go along to the exhibition and make your! views known."

Residents can take a look at the display at the following venues: Accrington Town Hall - Tuesday 13th May - Friday May 30 Arndale Shopping Centre - Monday 19th May - Saturday May 24 Accrington Library - Tuesday May 13th - Friday May 30.

Hyndburn BC Offices, Scaitcliffe House - Tuesday May 27 - Friday May 30 A staffed exhibit where residents can ask questions takes place at the Peel Park Hotel, Turkey Street, Accrington between 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday May 21.