'Friends' for every park

Two of the six parks in Darwen have no friends groups and one has only recently been established. The town is also being targeted to set up police contact with groups, similar to Corporation Park in Blackburn.

Dave Page, council parks community development officer, said Whitehall Park and Barlow Park were top of the list.

He added: "Supporters groups are volunteers who want to develop the park, working with the council and the community to improve their area. They fundraise and attract volunteers to clear the area

"Something we are looking to do in Darwen is get the police involved in the groups so important issues such as park security can be openly discussed.

"We are going round the areas and asking people what they think and we are getting a very positive response."

Coun Karimeh Foster, Whitehall ward, has been trying to set up a supporters group since last year.

She said: "I have pushed the council for something like this. Whitehall Park is a beautiful area but it needs a lot of work and the only way this can be done is through a friends group.

"I know of four people who are interested so far. Residents really want to make this area the most beautiful area in the borough."

Geoffrey Hughes, North Turton Parish Council clerk, said: "We have a lot of people here, from the council, the cricket club and the bowling club, who carry out work on Barlow Park such as clearing paths and dead trees. A supporters group would be an extension of this and it would be very welcome."

Dennis Gillibrand, Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods chairman, is part of one of the largest supporters groups in the borough with 80 members. He said: "I think it's great that more supporters groups are being created because they get so much done in the community and they are a link between residents and the community.

"Our Friends group has had meetings with groups from Blackpool to give them advice on how to set up so we would be more than happy to help out."