A CHILDREN’S play area has been given a much-needed makeover after a schoolgirl wrote to town hall chiefs about its rundown state.

The new-and-improved Faraday Street Playground, in Burnley, was officially unveiled to a specially invited audience this afternoon.

A sum of £10,000 was secured from the ward opportunities fund for the improvements after Katie Eldridge,10, wrote to Burnley Council.

The Whittlefield Primary School pupil, accompanied by her parents, joined councillors to witness the ribbon being cut at the park.

Katie told the local authority the weeds and broken swings made the site unpleasant last September.

A nest swing has been installed on the former sand area and the double swing frame has been replaced with a three metre high frame fitted with anti-wrap bearings to help prevent swing seats being wrapped around the top bar.

A new twin tower multi-unit, aimed at children aged four to 10, has also been installed and includes a climbing wall, fireman's pole, and slide.

Simone Eldridge, Katie’s mum, is a teaching assistant at Whittlefield Primary School.

She said: “I am very proud because she was saying it was a bit scruffy, so I said she should write to the council. Then when we got home after playing she started it " straight away.

“All the kids love it. Some of them are even there before school - the yard has been empty.

“Katie got a really quick response from the council - it lets children know that they have a voice.”

Coun Charlie Bullas, executive member for leisure and culture, said: “It a nice story that a little girl has the initiative to write to the council and isn’t afraid to do so.

"Equally, it’s great that the council has responded by taking action so swiftly and to such a degree.

“It just goes to show people, including children, that we are approachable and we do listen. It’s wonderful that a little girl has initiated it.”