A COMMUNITY is set to benefit from a new play area.

The project will involve new play equipment for children aged 0-16 in Rising Bridge near Haslingden.

The scheme will include a zip-wire, new safety surfacing, drainage for the play area and a football pitch and a picnic area, to replace the old and worn play equipment.

New paths will be installed meaning that the play area will be accessible to all.

A funding partnership has raised £72,000 for the play area, with money coming from Lancashire Environment Fund, Rossendale Council, Tesco, Awards for All, Rising Bridge Play Area Group, Newground, local government pocket parks funding, Jacks, Winfields and Lancashire County Council member grants.

People were asked how they thought the play area should be improved, and their ideas informed the plans that were submitted.

The design is currently being finalised, and it is hoped that the contractor will be confirmed by the end of the year.

Works on the ground are set to begin in January, with the play area opening in the spring.

The project involves working alongside Rising Bridge Community Association and Proffit’s, Investing in Communities, and will provide children with an exciting new play facility.

Adrian Lythgoe, portfolio holder for operations and development control at Rossendale Council, said the old equipment is not in a great state and that the new play area will be fantastic.

He said: "This is great news and will be fantastic for the children and families in the area.

"It did need work as the old equipment isn’t in a great state so I am looking forward to seeing the finished plans and the work as it happens.”