TENDERS are now being invited to carry out work to improve the area around the River Irwell in Stacksteads.

Stacksteads Riverside Park Group has been granted £15,000 to carry out the work which chairman Coun Michael McShea said should begin in July and be complete in early August.

Coun McShea said: "It is not that big of a job, but it will hopefully make a big difference to the lives of people in Stacksteads.

"They will have enhanced footpaths, picnic tables and wild flower planting. We are going to be making a nice area where people can relax by the riverside, have a picnic, whatever."

The project which involves the area from Shade End to Blackwood Road, will see two sculptures erected near the river, a totem pole and a frog, which have been designed and carved by Britannia sculptor Jimmy Starr.

The river wall is to be repaired, footpaths will be enhanced and stone picnic benches and tables will be added.

Japanese knotweed will be treated and wild flowers planted to brighten up the area.

The group will also be requesting Rossendale Council place several dog litter bins in the area and is hoping to erect an information board.

Already the work of the group is evident on the main Newchurch Road with 30 hanging baskets in place on the lamp posts and planting at the millennium stone and at sites along the main road.