LAND in Haslingden has been nominated as Britain's worst wasted space in a national campaign.

The stretch of land between Blackburn Road and allotments near the bypass is one of the contenders in a contest inviting members of the public to vote for examples of the worst wasted spaces in their area. The winner of the competition will be announced in October and organisers CABE Space will work with partner organisations to turn it into a positive, safe area.

The contest, launched last week, follows a report by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, which estimated 70,000 hectares of derelict and vacant land exists across England and Wales-- a space the size of Greater London. Members of the public have been invited to nominate derelict or wasted spaces they feel could be put to better use. The Haslingden space joins a list of sites across the country, some nominated by celebrities, competing for the title of Britain's worst.

CABE Space is inviting people to continue nominating stretches of land they believe could be put to good use. Julia Thrift, director of CABE Space said: "Streets, squares and gardens are the most democratic spaces we have and should be an expression of collective civic pride. This campaign intends to narrow the gap between what we have and deserve."

To nominate a site, visit www.wastedspace.org