PATHS in three Darwen parks have been upgraded.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has completed the maintenance work, which has been carried out in time for summer.

The renovation of the paths has taken place in Bold Venture, Whitehall and Sunnyhurst parks around the town.

A council spokesperson said: "Green spaces are so important to communities, not only as shared spaces for walking, running and cycling, but mental health is improved when you spend time in the great outdoors.

"Well-maintained paths are an essential part of making our green spaces accessible to all.

Lancashire Telegraph: The newly laid paths in Darwen parksThe newly laid paths in Darwen parks

"Darwen residents can expect a better park experience after maintenance work has been carried out in three of the town's neighbourhood parks.

"The new park paths are opening up the green spaces to more residents just in time for summer."

Bold Venture Park has seen 429 metres of tarmac paths laid, plus the renewal of drainage that wasn’t working.

At Whitehall Park, 716m of tarmac paths were laid plus drainage to stop large amounts of water causing damage in bad weather conditions.

Over at Sunnyhurst Park, a huge two kilometres of paths have been upgraded, plus the installation of new ditches and land drains to divert water problems.

Marjan Wouda, a local resident and chair of the Whitehall Park Supporter Group, said: "We are absolutely delighted to see these paths refreshed.

"Many local older, less able residents have been able to visit and enjoy Whitehall Park for the first time in years thanks to this work."