ABOUT 500 tonnes of silt will be removed from Sunnyhurst Wood during work that could take more than a week.

Phase two of the Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods’ efforts to remove the silt from the paddling pool in the wood starts on Monday.

The work was made possible after a grant from Darwen Town Council’s parks committee.

The silt had been scooped up and placed in huge piles to dry out before it could be removed from the site altogether. Starting Monday, a truck from contractors in Bolton will make three or four trips per day to take it away from the wood.

Friends group chairman Dennis Gillibrand said: “This is probably the biggest job ever done in Sunnyhurst Wood.

“There will be an inconvenience to users of the wood as the main path will be closed from the bridge near the visitor centre to the Huntington Bridge.Safety signs and barriers will be in place, as well as diversion signs directing walkers to the path in front of the Olde England Kiosk.

“The work could go on for more than a week, but safety is paramount.”

Mr Gillibrand said site marshals would be in place to guide people in the wood and he has appealed for new volunteers to help. Anyone interested can call him on 01254 723504.