Improvements to Rawtenstall Park are confirmed to begin at the end of the month, with new play equipment and resurfacing aimed at helping the park reach its full potential.

Work at Fairview Recreational Ground and Play Area includes a new timber trim trail, and some junior play equipment including a zip wire, and swings will also be added.

Contractors will also install new seats and litter bins and will repair footpaths and steps on site too.

Rossendale Council leader, Councillor Alyson Barnes, said: “Fairview Recreation Ground and Play Area is an important outdoor space for residents in Rawtenstall.

“It has the potential to be a great play area for children of all ages, and we’re excited to get contractors on site and start to make the changes needed to make the space work better for everyone.

“We want people to enjoy visiting all our parks and green spaces, and we know that being active and spending time outdoors, can make everyone feel healthier and happier too.’’

Residents were involved in a consultation and provided suggestions as to what they would like to see in the development of the recreation and play area.

Martin Proffitt from Proffitts led the public consultation.

He said: “Local residents had some great suggestions for developing the recreation area and the play area – and we’re grateful to everyone who shared suggestions for the project.

“The team wanted to make sure that they got the design right for as many people as possible, and we can’t wait to visit and see the finished space early next year.’’

Work is expected to start on site on October 28 and will last eight to 10 weeks, weather and Christmas holidays permitting.

The wider site will remain open for the duration of the works but small areas will be fenced off during the construction period for safety. This will include the steps leading to Holly Tree Close.