WORK has begun on a £14,000 scheme to transform a local riverside park into a haven for wildlife.

Contractors with heavy equipment moved on to the Stacksteads Riverside Park on Monday to start the work, which is expected to take between two and three weeks to complete.

The land alongside the River Irwell is to be improved with the development of a riverside walkway. The paths will also be resurfaced to make them accessible to everyone. The walk will also include two locally carved sculptures, donated by local artist Jim Star.

Along the walkway locals will be able to sit, relax and enjoy the view at specially commissioned stone tables and seats.

Hazel Lord of Rossendale Rivers Initiative said: "Making the site suitable for wildlife is also a priority. Plans have been drawn up for the redevelopment of the river bank which will provide wild flower and shrub habitats to encourage more insects and birds to return to the site."

About £10,000 of the total cost is for the work itself with the remainder earmarked for various community activities, including planting schemes.

The project forms part of the Mersey Basin Trust's "Watersides for All" scheme in partnership with local groups throughout the Mersey basin.

The money has come from the Lancashire Environment Fund in partnership with the Rossendale Rivers Initiative and Groundwork Rossendale.

Stacksteads Riverside Park group has an active membership of over 30.

For the past five years the group has identified a need for a community resource alongside the river to improve the habitat and to increase recreational facilities for the local community.