THREE new playgrounds are to open in Darwen this year.

As part of the council’s £2.5million Play Pathfinder scheme, new sites are being developed at Turton Tower, Shorey Bank and Anchor Avenue.

Work at the Anchor Avenue playground is underway and is expected to be completed at the end of March, Costing almost £45,000, it includes a jungle swing, twisters, roll ‘n’ rope, log walks, tram tracks and multi-climbing net.

A contractor has been appointed to do work on the Turton Tower scheme, with work expected to start in late February and be completed at the end of March.

The Shorey Bank project is currently out for tender.

A provisional start date of early March has been given, with a completion date towards the end of March.

Coun Michael Law-Riding, play champion for the borough, said: “These are exciting times for our young people.

“The Play Pathfinder programme has brought opportunities to enhance existing play facilities and improve the lives of children in Blackburn and Darwen.

“Children have a right to play and have fun in a safe and healthy environment.

“Parents and carers have a responsibility to encourage this to happen whilst at the same time allowing children to take appropriate risks through play and to develop independence skills.”