A ROSSENDALE recreation area could be transformed if plans by a local residents' group are approved by the borough council.

Cloughfold Recreation Action Group (CRAG) has put forward ambitious proposals for the site off Hareholme Lane, in Higher Cloughfold, Rawtenstall, which include a children's play area, with a willow tunnel, a laurel maze and a picnic area, an amphitheatre, and an area for barbecues.

The plans are due to go before Rossendale Borough Council's development control committee on Thursday.

Borough planners have recommended that the proposals are given the go-ahead.

In a report to the committee it states that the proposal will make a "positive contribution" to the recreation facilities available without altering the open character of the area.

The council's parks development officer stated in the report that they supported the plan in principle, but were concerned about who would pay to maintain the site and who would cover the cost of safety inspections for the play area.

The report states: "A lot of the work has been done by the action group in producing this exciting plan for Cloughfold Rec.

"The improvements, when completed, would increase the number of user groups able to use the facilities and site.

"The plans will have considerable maintenance implications for the authority. In particular the willow tunnel, new shrub areas, the laurel maze and the amphitheatre.

"Guarantees should be secured as to how this cost will be met, and how the project will be made sustainable."

However, the report goes on to state that CRAG has secured funding from the Countryside Agency to cover these costs for the first three years.

After that the group would be responsible for finding the money to continue that work.

Litter bins and dog fouling bins have also been added to the proposals to address concerns raised by the crime prevention officer.