A DAD-OF-FOUR is looking to raise money to turn a ‘broken’ children’s play area to the ‘best park in Lancashire’.

Kieran Bartlett wants to collect £5,000 to improve The Top Park off Church Street, Church.

Should the money be raised he wants to add a slide, swings, picnic area and a mini assault course for children.

At the moment, the flooring of the playground can be turned up and Mr Bartlett thinks the facilities are ‘unsafe and unsuitable' for young children.

Mr Bartlett, who has lived in the area for 33 years, said: “Nothing works there at the moment, it’s all broken.

“There is nothing at all for young children. It’s dangerous the equipment there.

“There are never any children there and you always see kids playing on the street which is dangerous in itself.

“There aren’t any other play parks in the area either, there needs to be something for everyone.”

The former security guard also wants to see a picnic area added at the site to make it a spot for families.

It has a small football and basketball court at the bottom which he would like to see updated and wants schools to use the area if it is improved.

Mr Bartlett said: “It has a huge space and huge potential to be a very good park.

“I’ve for a wild imagination and I’ve got so many ideas.

“If I can raise enough funds I want to see it become the best play area in Lancashire.”

He has pointed to the ‘great’ Witton Park in Blackburn as an example of an area which Church should aspire to.

Cllr Jean Battle, who represents the area for Hyndburn Council, said that she intends to meet with Mr Barnett to discuss the site with fellow ward councillor Lorraine Cox.

Cllr Battle said: “The park was put there in the first place by the Church Residents Association, it’s not your typical swing and slides, it is more for older children from the age of about 12.

“I’m pleased that someone has taken an interest in the park and it is really good that he has come forward.

“Maybe it’s time that it could do with some improvements.

“We’re hopeful of meeting him soon to discuss plans for the playground.”

Visit crowdfunder.co.uk/new-play-area-for-children.