A VILLAGE playground is to be given a revamp – with a little help from a family whose mum fought for it to be created.

The play area in Worsthorne Park, situated across from the village’s primary school, has been open for nearly 40 years but its last refurbishment was in the late 1990s.

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The equipment no longer holds the same appeal to children and the Parish Council and Burnley Borough Council have now pledged to inject new life into the popular play area.

It was opened in 1978 after months of hard work by parish councillor, Irene Spence, who sadly died aged 37 before she could see it being used by youngsters. A memorial gate was placed there in her honour.

As a result of the new plans, her three sons Peter, Andrew and Richard have donated £5,000 to help cover some of the costs.

Peter, who opened the park in 1978 when he was five years old, wrote in a letter to the council: “I am so pleased that so much work and enthusiasm has already been invested into the planned improvements to Worsthorne Park.

“My brothers and I made great use of the park as children, and my own children have enjoyed playing in the park when we’ve visited friends in the village.

“It’s such an important community feature in a wonderful village and I’m immensely proud of the role that my Mum played in its creation.”

The plans also include new equipment which will total £43,000.

Burnley Borough Council and Worsthorne with Hurstwood Parish Council have joined to create the plans and it is hoped they will secure a sponsor to cover the remaining costs.

A bid has also been made for a grant from Veolia, which is currently in the process of assessing the bid. The council will find out if they have been successful in June.

Chair of Worsthorne with Hurstwood Parish Council, Pauline Frost-Hardwick, said: “Children will be able to play safely and carers and parents can meet in the picnic and seating areas. This will bring the community closer together.”