RESIDENTS in Rawtenstall are celebrating after plans to transform a recreation ground were backed by Rossendale Council.

Cloughfold Recreation Action Group (CRAG) came up with ambitious proposals for the site after speaking to primary schoolchildren and the community about what they wanted at the site off Hareholme Lane, Higher Cloughfold.

The plans, approved by Rossendale Council's Development Control Committee, include a play area, willow tunnel, laurel maze and picnic area, amphitheatre, and barbecue area.

Borough planners recommended that the committee supported the proposals. In a report to the committee it stated that CRAG's plans would make a "positive contribution" to the recreation facilities available without altering the open character of the area.

Concerns were raised by the council's parks development officer about who would pay to maintain the site and make the necessary inspections of the play area.

But members heard that CRAG, which is negotiating a 25-year lease of the land with the council, had secured funding from the Countryside Agency to cover costs for the first three years. After that the group would be responsible for finding the money.

Christine Lomax, from CRAG, said members were delighted with the council's decision to support the project, which has taken more than 18 months to plan.

She said: "Cloughfold recreation ground is a beautiful site, with a beautiful view and is quite well used. But we were also having problems with people dumping and burning out cars and there was a fear that it might be sold off for housing."