COMMUNITIES across East Lancashire have just 10 days to submit bids for grants to create a Millennium Green.

The Countryside Commission, which launched the Millennium Green project in 1996 with the help of £10 million lottery cash, aims to create at least 250 new green spaces in the UK by the year 2000.

Millennium Greens are areas of open space which can be enjoyed by local communities. The greens can be located in towns, suburbs or villages and can be small or as large as 30 acres.

Each will be designed after consultation with local residents and could feature trees, play areas, bushes, ponds, streams and paths.

The Countryside Commission hopes to create about 27 Millennium Greens in the North West and sites in Lumb in Rossendale and Colne have already received cash.

The deadline for bids is July 31.

Martin Lane, Millennium Greens Project Manager, said: "It's the last chance for communities in Lancashire that have been thinking about a Millennium Green to bring their ideas to life.

"There are people in Lancashire who have an idea for their own Millennium Green, but have not spoken to us.

"We need to hear from them before the end of July so we can be sure that by the turn of the century we have the best Millennium Greens that our money can buy for future generations to enjoy."

For more information call Mr Lane or David Haygarth on 0121 233 9399.

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