A RAFT of sports developments across Rossendale could help in the fight to cut juvenile nuisance.

Under ambitious £1million plans, Groundwork Rossendale wants parks at 12 locations, with a handful already up and running and plans for another five sent to Rossendale Council.

The Rossendale Youth Provision Strategy, which has a steering group made up of members from Lancashire County Council's youth service, the police, Rossendale Council and Groundwork Rossendale, identified a lack of youth provision in the Valley.

And after residents' questionnaires and meetings, plans were drawn up to meet the requirements of children and parents.

Now applications have been submitted to develop sites in Rawtenstall, Stacksteads, Waterfoot and Whitworth. The project has already seen skate parks in Moller Ring Park, Crawshawbooth; Stubbylee Park, Bacup, and the Pennine Road estate all hailed a huge success.

Martin Proffitt, project manager at Groundwork Rossendale, said: "In each area we have been out and asked the people what they want. We have engaged with the children to help give them the feeling that it's their facility so that they will want to protect it and not vandalise it."

The latest part of the project is set to cost around £200,000, funded through various sources including Landfill tax money and Government grants.

The plans include a multi-use ball court at Masseycroft, Whitworth, and a games area at Marl Pits Leisure Centre, Rawtenstall. They will be discussed at next month's development control committee.