RESIDENTS in Barnoldswick will be asked for their opinions on plans for a new play area costing almost £30,000.

Plans for the site off Priory Way were approved by members of the West Craven Committee this week and councillors agreed that a public consultation on the proposals should be held before any further decisions were made.

The land which would be used for the scheme consists of a wetland and wild area to the south of the access track and an area of open space to the north of the track.

The cost of developing the site, planting, installing fencing, goal posts and basketball equipment, providing and installing gates, litter bins, stiles and benches has been estimated at £27,303 and the annual maintenance costs will be £1,353.

Pendle Council already has £30,000 from the sale of adjacent land which has been earmarked for the development of the recreational area.

The designs include the creation of a small wild flower meadow and hedge and tree planting. A report to the committee said: "The site although relatively small provides an opportunity for residents of the area to have diverse ecosystems within the same site.

"This will provide children with areas they can visit to become familiar with different flora and fauna in this part of the county and also provide an area for different leisure pursuits."