THE transformation of wasteland into a community garden has put a stop to nuisance from youngsters playing football on the land.

Residents in Greenside Avenue, off Shorrock Lane, in Livesey, Blackburn, were fed up after ball games caused accidental damage to cars, fences, and hedges.

Police, who were repeatedly called out to complaints, contacted Blackburn with Darwen Council neighbourhood co-ordinator Allison Kay-Porter.

And she worked with residents, and Meadowhead ward councillors Ron O'Keefe and Maureen Rishton, to solve the problem.

A rapid response team, from environmental group Groundwork Blackburn, was brought in and set to work turning the green space from a makeshift football pitch to a garden with trees and shrubs, using a small amount of council cash.

Housing company Twin Valley Homes, which owns the land, has agreed to maintain the area and residents are said to be delighted.

Nigel Brooke, police community support officer, said: "In front of some of the properties there was a piece of field that had a tree and lamp post on it that formed natural goalposts. Youngsters were therefore using the land to play football.

"We looked at ways of stopping them and decided to put in this garden that everyone can enjoy.

"There are other areas for football, such as the very good facilities at the new community centre in Green Lane, which has a proper caged football area."

Local councillor Maureen Rishton said: "You can't blame the youngsters for playing there because it was the only flat space around, but now we have everything up at the community centre."