PRIMARY School pupils are designing artwork that will be displayed in a new town centre development.

Pupils from the Green Team at Waterfoot Primary School will be working alongside Rossendale Borough Council and community investment group Proffitts on the development in Waterfoot town centre, Rossendale.

The project will transform the derelict play space to the rear of the car park and bus turning circle into a vibrant toddler play area and community space.

The pupils will work alongside artist Alistair Price and Proffitts to create unique designs which will be interpreted into permanent artwork for the site.

Construction began on the site in November and on Thursday 28 pupils visited the site to check on progress and get inspiration from the buildings and landscape around Waterfoot for their designs.

Proffitts been working closely alongside Rossendale Borough Council on proposals for the community space, taking inspiration from the site history and consultation previously carried out for the site as well as the needs of the neighbours.

The project will include the creation of a toddler play area and a new ramp which will make the site more accessible from Woodlea Road.

Seats and picnic benches will be installed in an attempt to open up views to the river and colourful new planting will be installed in raised beds.

A significant part of the site will remain as open space for community events and activities leaving the car parking spaces available on event days.

Over £130,000 of funding for the project has been secured from Rossendale Borough Council, the Lancashire Environmental Fund and Lancashire County Council.

Cllr Amanda Robertson, Elected Member for Whitewell ward said: "I'm really glad that this patch of Waterfoot is finally getting a face lift.

"For years it’s been an eyesore and soon it’s going to look wonderful and people will be able to walk through, sit and relax and children will have exciting equipment to play on."

Cllr Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Operations, said:

"I’m delighted that this long awaited project will soon be complete.

"The facility is badly needed in Waterfoot and I’m sure it will be well utilised.

"I’m really looking forward to the opening event and hope that the many residents who contributed to the consultation events will be able to come along and enjoy the end result."