YOUNGSTERS in Great Harwood could be on a roll by Easter as work gets under way on a skatepark they helped to design.

Work is set to start on Monday on the £132,000 facility and play area on the site of a car park, and is scheduled to last eight weeks.

The site will be resurfaced and a new pedestrian access ramp will be installed. Other equipment will include a platform for skateboarders, goalposts and basketball hoops.

Lighting will be installed at both ends of the court and three-metre-high acoustic fencing will screen the site to reduce noise.

The scheme has the backing of Great Harwood police and has been championed by PC Helen Jackson, who has worked with Lancashire County Council youth workers and youngsters in the town for three years to get the project off the ground.

She said: "I'm delighted. It's been a long time coming and the kids have worked really hard and been very patient.

"It will give them something to do rather than hang around the streets."

Ian Marfleet, projects development officer for Hyndburn First, Hyndburn Council's regeneration arm, said: "It's very nice to get it up and running and I'm sure the young people of Great Harwood will be extremely pleased it's happening.

"We are looking to have it usable by Easter, with the official launch sometime after that."

Funding for the scheme, on the corner of Game Street and Town Hall Street, Great Harwood, came from the New Opportunities Fund, part of the Lotto.