Two playgrounds in Darwen have closed as renovation works are carried out.

Both playgrounds at Bold Venture Park and Whitehall Park have now closed for around five weeks while they undergo renovation works.

It is hoped that the playgrounds will both be open by the start of the school holidays.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesperson said: “Please be aware that the playgrounds in these parks will be shut for approximately five weeks as they undergo renovation works.

“Bold Venture Park playground is already closed and Whitehall Park playground [closed] on Monday [June 24].

“The aim is to have them open for the start of the school holidays. Thanks for your understanding!”

In March, it was announced that both parks were both set to receive a £100,000 for renovations.

The council also revealed it plans to spend another £100,000 on repairs to children's playgrounds across the borough.

At Whitehall Park further funding has been secured for a new cycle track around the new playground – similar to the popular one installed at Witton.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s environment boss, Cllr Jim Smith, said: “You only have to look at just how busy the new playgrounds have been at Witton Park and what the response has been there to see how much they are valued by our residents.

“Sadly due to budget cuts, we’ve just not had the money that we would have liked to spend on our much-loved parks and playgrounds, which is incredibly frustrating.

“We’ve been creative and looked at new ways of funding improvements and the new playgrounds at Witton and Blacksnape, in Darwen have been paid for using contributions from new housing developments.

“Now, we are really pleased to be able to pledge £300,000 over the next year for new playgrounds at Bold Venture Park and Whitehall Park in Darwen and for much-needed maintenance work elsewhere."

Several parks across East Lancashire have received upgrades this year. Witton Park’s £350,000 refurbishment was completed this February.

A new park also opened in Burnley in May, and it includes a floodlit multi-use games area and outdoor gym equipment.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Corporation Park in Blackburn was set to benefit from £750,000 in funding.

The transformation of Corporation Park is one of many projects across the town and borough that will share an impressive £20 million from the new Levelling Up Partnership with the Government.