A BIG clean-up has signalled the start of a village grot spot's transformation in to a leafy woodland.

Bickershaw will soon be fringed by a branch of the Red Rose Forest, which involves clearing the derelict 75-acre Barlows Farm site, currently a haven for litter-louts and flytippers.

The Forestry Commission has brought in experts to tidy 29 unsightly hectares off Bickershaw Lane in readiness for redevelopment with the help of locals and schoolchildren.

The site, which has been leased from the Woodland Trust by the Forestry Commission, will form part of the Red Rose Community Forest.

Already a sanctuary for wildlife, when complete, it will boast open wetland features, woodland areas, wildflower meadows and footpaths.

The area will also be closed to vehicles to prevent future tipping.

Lisa Foden, the Forestry Commission's community liaison officer, said: "The next stage is to invite local people to become more practically involved through on-going conservation work and tree planting days."

Funding for the project comes from a £9m grant from the Government's Capital Modernisation Fund.