THE Blackburn with Darwen Mayor Peter Greenwood brought back a smile to the faces of youngsters who had had their play area wrecked by vandals.

Residents were horrified when turf and safety surfacing was ripped up and a willow-weave arch destroyed at Ellerbeck Road, Ellenshaw.

But local people, including many youngsters, worked hard and repaired most of the damage, apart from the arch, and had the park finished for the official opening, performed by the Mayor.

Coun Greenwood said he thought the completed play area was "first class".

But he added: "I have to say I am gravely disappointed about the arch feature which was knocked down.

"I am sure the children will enjoy it for many, many years if we can get a feeling of common ownership and protection for this community investment."

The Ellenshaw with Two Gates Tenants' Association developed the scheme with Groundwork Blackburn.

Association chairman Lillian Scott said: "We are really hoping that the children will appreciate what is here for them and help us look after it.

"I think it fantastic. So much hard work has gone into it."

Liz Peel, senior project officer at Groundwork, said: "There have been lots of children using the park so there was obviously a great need for it."

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