PEOPLE power has helped a new multi-purpose games area to be created on public open space in Barnoldswick.

Residents of Coates Estate in the town have campaigned for a designated games area on the site of the former Barnsey Shed for a number of years.

Now Pendle Council has been able to find £45,000 in funding from a wide variety of sources to install a hard surface multi-purpose games area that will allow local children to play five-a-side football, basketball and roller blade street hockey.

Colin Patten, the council's parks, cemeteries and outdoor recreation manager, said: "Residents have campaigned for a defined and equipped games area on this site for many years. It's only now that the council, in partnership with a number of other bodies, has been able to source enough funding to meet this need. There's no doubt this is a victory for people power."

Marjorie Adams, secretary of Coates Residents' Association said: "We are thrilled with the new facility. It will be used by hundreds of local children for football, hockey and basketball. It will keep the children from playing sports on the streets which is obviously dangerous."

The new facility is on the site of the former Barnsey Shed which was knocked down many years ago.

Coun Margaret Bell, chairman of the council's West Craven committee, and Bob Smith representing Coates Residents' Association, officially opened the facility on Saturday, at the site off Coates Avenue.

Funding has been provided between the council's West Craven committee, Coates Residents' Association, Barnoldswick Town Council, Pendle Community Safety Partnership, Pendle Borough Council parks and housing and community care sections.