Work has finally started on a new £30,000 play area in Baxenden.

Improvements at the site at Baxenden Recreation Ground, which will take around five weeks to complete, will see the installation of a new aerial runway, a rotating see-saw, a basket swing and a rodeo board.

A set of swings installed in the 1970s will also be replaced.

The ambitious project was granted a massive cash injection in September after plans for the improvements were given the go ahead in May this year.

In 2017, a play area on Back Lane was removed, which reduced the outdoor amenities available for children in the area.

At the time, Cllr Terry Hurn, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said: “Ever since they removed the facilities in Back Lane we’ve been pushing for them to do something.

"It’s important kids have somewhere to go and somewhere to play outdoors."

The money was granted by the Lancashire Environmental Fund and work started on the play area on Monday November 12.

A spokesperson for Baxenden Community Forum said: "Work on upgrading the play area on Baxenden Recreation Ground started on Monday and is likely to take five weeks."

Cllr Paul Cox, Hyndburn Council's cabinet member for environmental services, said getting the funding for the play area was great news.

He said: "Thanks should go Baxenden Community Forum for all their hard work and help with this project, which will see a number of improvements and enhancements to the playground for local children to enjoy."