A DERELICT piece of land at the edge of Holt House playing fields in Colne is being transformed into a pocket park.

Pendle Council has teamed up with Colne and Nelson Rugby Club to win more than £20,000 in funding, with the cash set to be used to turn a patch of land near the club's base into a small park.

The national initiative aims to create green spaces near to towns for local people to enjoy for relaxation, exercise, play and socialising.

Pocket parks are designed to play a part in tackling health issues such as obesity and social isolation by bringing people in the community together to learn new skills and enjoy physical activities.

Kieron Roberts, Pendle Council’s green spaces manager, said: “We’re one of almost 200 places in the country to win government funding to create a fantastic new green space for our community.”

Pendle Council teamed up with Colne and Nelson Rugby Club to make the successful bid and won £23,500 towards the project.

The council has also invested £5,000 into the project which is called the Holt House Activity Garden.

Chris Buck, hairman of Colne and Nelson Rugby Club, added: “We’ve been pleased to get involved in this new park which is next to our rugby pitches.

“The rugby club has donated £500 to this worthwhile project which encourages people to get active and enjoy quality time near to home.

“We are hoping to install more pieces of trim trail equipment around the larger playing field in the future,” he added.

Pendle’s Environmental Action Group is helping to prepare the site and the pocket park should be finished in July.

Mr Roberts added: “It’s a small site but will have a big impact.

“It’s on two levels and we’ve worked with Pendle Leisure Trust to include specialist low mobility fitness equipment for a green gym and fitness trail which will have ten pieces of equipment to suit all ages and levels of ability.

“Pendle Leisure Trust will use the new pocket park for some of the fitness sessions they run for those with mobility problems, including GP referrals to help people recovering from injuries or illness."

Raised beds for growing vegetables and herbs will be form an important community aspect to the park, Mr Roberts said.

Pendle’s Goodlife Project will teach local people growing skills and will help with ongoing weeding and maintenance.

Plans for the pocket park also include a wildflower meadow and colourful flower garden with decorative shrubs and hedging to complete the design.

Some local residents at the new housing development Campion Green next to the site are part of a new group which will run volunteer days to look after the park.

Keith Turbitt, for Campion Green Residents group, said: “As well as being a space where people can relax and enjoy some quiet time or a chat with their neighbours, we’ll be encouraging people to take an active part in their park.

“And I’m sure it will soon be enjoyed by people who use Holt House playing fields and Alkincoats Park too."