A COMMUNITY scheme to convert derelict land into a recreation area has been heaped with praise by councillors who gave the plans the thumbs-up.

Green group Groundwork East Lancashire and the Residents' Association of Immanuel joined forces to create a basketball area, landscaping, pathways and artwork at land off Trinity Street in Oswaldtwistle.

The land, which has been derelict for 20 years, will be transformed in a £90,000 regeneration scheme named the Whams Brook Project after the stream which runs through the site.

Groups including North West Water, the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime and the Environment Agency have provided grants, and the scheme has also won lottery funding.

Residents who have been granted a lease on the land have helped boost the total to £50,000 through fund-raising events including jumble sales, fetes, bonfire nights and raffles.

The residents' association is awaiting the results of other grant applications and hopes the work will start next month.

The plan has been backed by officers from Accrington police station, who have been involved with the project since the outset. A survey by the Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation found 52 out of 55 residents consulted thought the plan would improve the site.

One resident wrote to Hyndburn Council to voice concern that neighbouring houses might be subjected to vandalism and night-time disturbance from young people using the site.

But the residents at the two properties nearest to the proposed single basketball hoop have not written to the council.

The plans were unanimously approved by Hyndburn development services committee.

Coun Doug Hayes said: "I must commend the residents' association and Groundwork for the work they have done."

Coun Joyce Beswick said: "The residents have done brilliantly. It is a splendid idea."

Coun Russell Davies added: "The children need somewhere to play. It is absolutely wonderful that residents can get together to improve their area."

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