CHILDREN in Darwen are to get a brand new play area from a £151,000 fund handed to the council by housing developers.

Hargreaves Homes was granted planning permission to build 112 homes off Marsh House Lane, called Hargreaves' Clearwater Village, last October.

Developers had been looking for permission to build on the site as far back as 1970, and the Bolton-based company's success was subject to a special agreement that it would provide cash to pay for traffic calming measures and improvements to Blacksnape playing fields.

Before permission was granted, the company held meetings with local residents and some of their concerns are addressed in the planned work. The company has now handed over the £151,000 and the first priority phase of work is the provision of an equipped children's pay area and formal recreation space on the existing playground at the playing fields, at the top of Marsh House Lane.

The funding also includes money to maintain the facilities and cash to improve drainage and landscaping. Other work planned includes a zebra crossing on Marsh House Lane and a pedestrian refuge in Pole Lane. The housing estate is expected to be complete in less than two years time.

Hargreaves managing director Gerry Sweeney said: "We have worked closely with the council and local residents to ensure the development provides a high quality scheme that benefits existing and future residents in the area."

Council executive member for leisure and culture Coun Kate Hollern said: "The financial contribution will benefit the local community immensely and help regenerate the area."