WORK is set to start on new play facilities in the Guide, Higher Croft and Whitebirk areas of Blackburn thanks to £2.5 million from the Government’s Play pathfinder fund.

Coun Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture for the borough, said: “These are exciting times for our young people. The Play Pathfinder programme will bring opportunities to enhance the lives of children across the borough.

“We want children and parents to come on board and tell us what they would like to see so that we get it right for children of all ages and abilities.”

Last year the authority also secured almost £500,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Children’s Play programme for a number of projects including an adventure trail in Witton Park, improved play areas and support for schools to make their grounds accessible for play out school hours.

The council also secured £225,000 for improvements to Bold Venture and Ashton Park.

For information go to www.blackburn.gov.uk/play