COUNCILLORS were left ‘disappointed’ by the turnout at a public meeting looking into restoring a play park removed without warning.

The play area in Back Lane, Baxenden was removed by council bosses at the end of last month, to the anger of many residents.

Around a dozen people attended a meeting at the Bay Horse in Manchester Road looking at future plans for play areas in the town.

Cllr Terry Hurn, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said he has been told no play equipment will be reinstalled at the site and is now looking elsewhere for support.

He said: “We’ve been told by the council that if they were looking to install play equipment in the area the Back Lane site would be the last place they would look.

“We’ve got to look elsewhere now, it would be a good idea to get some funding for more equipment at the Recreational Ground in Baxenden.

“But we need more support, I was disappointed at the turnout at the meeting.

“There was such a big reaction and such a strong feeling when it first got removed.”

Cllr Ken Moss, cabinet member for parks, said the park had been there ‘for a good 20 years’ and it was time to remove it.