THE newly refurbished children’s play area in Oswaldtwistle was officially opened yesterday.

Improvements worth £103,000 were recently completed at West End Play Area, two years after teenager David Reid launched a campaign calling for better facilities at the Blackburn Road site.

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Features including swings, a slide, a roundabout, and a trampoline with an aerial runway were installed by contractors.

A basket swing, a sky surf for older children, and space for football, basketball and climbing were also part of the design, which was the result of months of planning and consultation with the park’s users.

The mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Munsif Dad, cut the ribbon at the park at 12.30pm. A celebratory event was held from 10.30am until 2pm.

David’s dad Sean said: “David, our family and I would like to thank each and every one of you for your help and support, and donations no matter of the size.

“Each penny counted towards the final outcome.”

Over the past two years, David built up support from friends, family and Hyndburn businesses to raise money for the improvements.

Hyndburn Borough Council, Lancashire Environmental Fund, Oswaldtwistle Area Council and Together Housing Group’s charity Newground Together have also contributed funding.

A grant was also received from the Windfall Fund, the community benefit fund associated with the wind farm on Oswaldtwistle Moor, in order to increase biodiversity and wildlife of the play area.

Cllr Ken Moss, the authority’s parks boss, said: “This is fantastic news for children in Oswaldtwistle as they will have a new playground to use.

“Special thanks should go to local boy David Reid, who has been campaigning to improve play facilities in his local area, as he has proved hard work and persistence pay off.”

Cllr Peter Britcliffe (Oswaldtwistle) said: “It is a great achievement and it has a lovely story with it.

“I am so pleased we have been able to make this happen.

“It is important that people see what you can achieve when you work together.”