A NEW urban nature reserve and footpath has been officially opened.

Hyndburn Mayor Cllr Abdul Khan and children from two local schools joined together to launch the Pleck Meadow environmental renewal project in Accrington's Peel Park.

The grassland, near Arden Hall and the Coppice Nature Reserve, was acquired by Hyndburn Council in 2018.

The authority developed a masterplan to enhance the area for both the public and wildlife with the creation of the new pathway in partnership with The Prospects Foundation and Ribble Rivers Trust who co-ordinated the grant funding for the project and the wetland creation.

A celebration event to mark the official opening brought together Hyndburn Council, the charities and children from the St Anne's and St Joseph's RC Primary School and Benjamin Hargreaves C of E Primary School to inaugurate the development Cllr Abdul Khan, who cut the ribbon on the new nature walk, said: “It was a real joy to see everyone come together for such a worthy cause.

"New habitat areas are so important for allowing more space for the natural world.

"I take great pleasure in the opportunity to get outdoors and see parts of the local area that would have otherwise remained unfamiliar to me.

"I am certain the opening of this space will be a great way to encourage locals to enjoy the natural spaces on their doorstep.”

The new footpath has been incorporated into the existing network to connect Arden Hall and Hodder Street to link with Peel Park via the wetland.

The pathway also includes a bridge over the Pleck brook.

The work was part of the Health and Environmental Action Lancashire project funded by the government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

A Prospects Foundation spokesman said: “The project has been a labour of love from all our staff, as well as from the numerous volunteers that have given their time.

"The result will be a more biodiverse and accessible green space that people and wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and amphibians can enjoy.”