A COMMUNITY open space is set to be created in Rawtenstall thanks to a £34,000 cash injection.

Cribden Neighbourhood Association has raised the cash to upgrade a neglected piece of land in the village.

The makeover is set to take place at land between Holland Avenue, Hobson Street and Elm Street thanks to partnership between Groundwork Rossendale and Rossendale Borough Council.

The site is currently overgrown but it is planned to make it accessible to the community by pruning bushes, removing dead and dangerous trees and installing pathways.

Councillor Christine Lamb said: "Children have used the area for generations, but by pruning the bushes it will make them more visible and help increase safety.

"I'm absolutely delighted for the people of Rossendale who will be able to make use of this new facility now that the work is able to take place."

Of the £34,000 raised, a grant of £22,644 was received from Living Spaces, £10,000 from Lancashire Environment Fund and £1,000 from Lancashire Small Sites Regeneration Programme.

According to project workers, there is a serious infestation of Japanese knotweed on the site, which will entail a three-year programme of treatment at a cost of £5,000.

The Duchy of Lancaster has given a grant of £500 towards this part of the programme and fund-raising is currently ongoing to help meet the shortfall.

A spokesman for Cribden Neighbourhood Association added: "The work is set to start in the new year and it is expected to be completed by spring 2005 which we are all looking forward to.

"It's taken time to raise the money needed to regenerate the area but hopefully it will provide a tranquil place for people to come to and just enjoy."