PEOPLE in Salterforth took advantage of an event which could bring more money to their village by coming up with several suggestions for the cash.

The exhibition and visioning day, organised by Rural Evaluation and Action for Lancashire (REAL) and the Friends of Salterforth, was originally planned for June 17.

It was postponed because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

Residents flocked to Salterforth Baptist Church to air their views and thoughts about living in the Pendle parish and their wishes for its development over the coming years.

The aim of the day was to collect the views of the residents which REAL will put together in action plan to be used in a bid for extra funding for improvements to the village.

Friends of Salterforth also put together a display featuring photographs from the past and present with the help of the wider community.

Fiona Hanson, treasurer of the Friends, said: "The event went really well and we were very happy with the turnout.

"Rachel Fleming from REAL explained what was involved and organised what she described as a 'visioning' where she got people to imagine what they would like in the village.

"We said we wanted new play equipment in the park. That's always been our aim.

"Other residents said they were concerned about the speed of cars through the village, the fact that there is no village shop or bobby on the beat or village hall where they can hold events.

"The children have also said they would like a cycle and skate ramp."

Questionnaires about future improvements have also been sent out to all residents which will be added to the information gathered at the visioning day.

Fiona, who runs Salterforth Post Office, said: "If anyone could not attend or has not filled in one of the questionnaires I still have some at the post office."

It is hoped the final action plan will be presented to Pendle Council and the National Lotteries Board.

REAL is a partnership involving Community Futures, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Lancashire Co-operative Development Agency which aims to get individuals and groups involved in the policy making to improve their own quality of life.

It is funded by the National Lotteries Charities Board, the European Regional Development Fund, the Rural Development Programme and Lancashire Environment Fund.