EIGHT playgrounds in Darwen have been identified as needing investment under phase two of the Play Pathfinders project.

The playgrounds include the Anchor Estate, St Cuthbert’s School and behind the Earcroft Children’s Centre, Sudellside, Snape Street, Avalon Way, Whitehall Park, a disused refuse site on the A666, and Eccleshill.

The list of sites will be put forward to the Play Board who will decide which 14 sites across the borough will be improved by April 2010.

There is around £150,000 allocated towards improving existing play areas or installing new areas within the Darwen and Rural area.

The recommendation by the Play Pathfinder sub-group meeting held on January 9 is that the playground in the centre of the Anchor Estate is the most deserving of investment and it was recommended that it should receive £50,000 from the budget allocation.

Sudellside is also recommended for £50,000 investment and both St Cuthbert’s School and behind Earcroft Children’s Centre £25,000.