JUST under £100,000 is set to be spent on improving the health of two of Rossendale's unhealthiest neighbourhoods over the next 12 months.

Worsley ward in Haslingden and the Irwell area of Bacup have been selected for the 'Up and Active in Rossendale' initiative, as they are ranked in the bottom two districts in the valley for deprivation.

Lancashire County Council's public health department has provided £75,000 under its Active East scheme and Rossendale Council is finding £20,000 for the year-long programme.

Stuart Sugarman, the borough council's business director, said in an executive report that the areas with the lowest levels of activity currently would be the key targets for the work.

“In Worsley ward these are focuses on Manchester Road, Bury Road and the roads around the town centre,” said Mr Sugarman. And in Irwell ward these are on the Pennine Road estate and the terraced streets to the east of the town centre."

Early interventions have seen a pram walk started in Haslingden's Victoria Park and a ladies-only keep-fit club initiated at the Bacup Family Centre.

Community groups are seen as vital partners in making the effort a success.