A NEW 'fantastic' play area could be coming to a public park if plans are approved and funding can be secured.

Proposals have been submitted to Hyndburn Council planning department to build a fenced play area to be used by children age between one and 14 in Milnshaw Park in Accrington.

The area in Lancaster Avenue would include seven items of play equipment including a basket swing, sling shot, swings, net climbing unit and slide.

Councillors said it would be 'fabulous' for the area if plans come to fruition but warned funding would first need to be secured.

Cllr Paul Cox, who represents Milnshaw on Hyndburn Council, said: "When I was first elected one of my first priorities was to improve Milnshaw Park.

"It had the best part of 20 years of no funding.

"It would be absolutely fantastic if we could get his.

"To get this for children to enjoy for generations would be fabulous

"We managed to get funding for a multi-games area and the footpath has been done up.

"We don't want to get too excited, we still need to secure planning permission and then funding for the work.

"But if we don't get the funding we'll just go down other avenues to make sure we get this done."

The proposals also include the building of an aerial runway, rotating chair 'simulator', and a small train climbing unit with slide for younger children.

Also within the play area would be a steel bench and a matching picnic table.

The area would be built on land which is currently a grass field, and there is a currently a smaller play area in the park.

However council bosses said the area is 'badly in need' of improvements.

Cllr Ken Moss, cabinet member for parks on Hyndburn Council, said: "Milnshaw Park is one of the parks badly in need of an upgrade.

"It has not had much in the way of investment for quite some time.

"We're trying to drive it forward.

"The facilities are starting to get on a bit.

"As always money is the problem, it's just how to get the funding.

"Putting in the planning application gives us scope for further external funding which is needed.

"It shows we're serious about this.

"We want to get money in to spend it on good equipment."

Plans will be decided on by the planning committee in the coming months.