RESIDENTS and a council have joined together to replace decaying benches in a town's park.

The originals in France Street Gardens in Church had to be removed because of their poor state.

Now Hyndburn Council and the Church Kirk Residents Association have worked together to replace them so people walking their dogs or passing by can stop and relax.

Residents association chair Cllr Jean Battle said: “It’s great to see the benches back in place. An interesting feature of France Street community gardens is they are in an area of historical importance with links to Accrington’s rich industrial heritage. Victorian industrialists Frederick Steiner and Frederick Albert Gatty came to this area from France and became famous for innovations in textile dyeing and printing. ”

Fellow Church councillor Loraine Cox said: “These gardens are a popular green oasis used by local people every day for a stroll in the fresh air. Lots of residents have been in touch about getting the benches replaced. I'm delighted."