A £1MILLION scheme is to breathe new life into three rundown areas of Hyndburn.

Residents in Church and the Central and Springhill wards of Accrington have been involved in discussions with environment group Groundwork through community groups and schools to identify key areas.

And initial work has now started on five projects, which will have £300,000 spent on them in the first year. After that £750,000 will be spent over three years.

Groundwork, which will oversee the Action Pact initiative, has secured the funding from sources including regeneration body Hyndburn First, Lancashire County Council and Hyndburn Council.

Paul Worswick, plans and environment manager for Hyndburn Council, said: "Central, Church and Springhill are three of the most needy wards in the area.

"We are convinced that projects developed in conjunction with local people will be a better long term investment."

The five Action Pact projects are:

A new woodland next to the Sure Start community building which will be built near Hyndburn Road, Church.

A 500 metre pathway around Hyndburn Sports Centre with exercise equipment and instruction panels around the circuit. Additional trees will also be planted.

Refurbishing Owd Bobbs Path, which links Hyndburn Road with Park View, in Church.

Developing an allotment at Miller Fold in the Fern Gore estate for green-fingered residents.

Devising a community space for events and activities around Ernest Street Baptist Chapel.

Peter Pilkington, a trustee of Ernest Street Baptist Chapel, said: "The real value is that we are addressing projects that are of real and immediate concern to the people who live locally."

Church ward councillor Jean Battle also welcomed the project. She said: "I think this is really good news.

"If you involve residents it is something the area wants as the residents see it not someone in an office 20 miles away."