A BARNOLDSWICK park could be transformed after it was included in a new council strategy.

Victory Park has been included in Pendle Borough Council outdoor recreation plans after it was identified as an area of need.

Barnoldswick town councillor Jennifer Purcell, feels the park has been neglected in recent years.

She said: "My argument is that this park has gone downhill rapidly. I have asked people to come out and clean, but every time I do they have to come all the way from Nelson. We should have park rangers here all the time.

"The place is a disgrace. It has been forgotten. Toddlers are running around the play area and there are used nappies and dog faeces lying on the ground because the bins are overflowing.

"I would like to see park rangers up here permanently to keep the youngsters in check. The biggest problem here is litter and youths. This park is now in the worst state it has ever been in. It needs sorting out so that our children have parks to enjoy. I am absolutely seething."

Pendle Borough Council's head of parks Colin Patten said the park has not been overlooked and improvements may not be far away.

He added: "We have an outdoor recreation strategy and and Victory Park has been identified as a priority area."

Barnoldswick councillor David Whipp has been working with local residents to find out what needs to be done. He admitted that the pavilion and toilet block had been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, but added: "A team of local people has been working together to regenerate the park.

"That includes councillors and local residents who have drawn up a programme of works to do . The park is high on the agenda. People are putting a lot of hard work into getting new facilities.