A DERELICT litter blackspot is set to be transformed into a sensory rose garden for the visually impaired.

Broken metal frames and pieces of glass are all that remain from the greenhouse site that once stood in Darwen's Whitehall Park.

And the redundant area in the park off Bolton Road is suffering as a dumping ground for fly-tippers.

The Friends of Whitehall Park, a support group for the conservation of the park, applied for a grant last year to give the area a make-over.

Now they have been awarded £46,723 for the garden which will focus on touch and smell to enhance the experience for the visually impaired.

There will be raised flower beds and wide paths to cater for disabled visitors as well as an interpretation board with descriptions in Braille.

Residents will be asked to help choose perfumed flowers specially selected for their strong scent.

John Starbuck, chairman of Whitehall Park Supporters Group, said: "We are delighted. Whitehall Park is situated on a hillside.

"The project utilises the only area of level ground within the park and is designed to be of particular benefit to disabled people.

"It will be made safer, more attractive and user friendly."

The money has come from Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.

Blackburn with Darwen Council will organise contractors to carry out the work and they are expected to start in the next couple of weeks.

Plants and flowers will be planted by the supporters group and volunteers from the community.

Martin Bettington, chairman of Biffaward, said: "We are delighted to support this project that will involve the whole community in the dramatic transformation of a derelict piece of land.

"The work will create a valuable garden that can be accessed by everyone and will provide enhanced facilities at the park for local people and visitors to the area."

To get involved, contact the parks office on 01254 682525.