THE friends of Sunnyhurst Woods today criticised Blackburn with Darwen Council over progress on repairs to the flood-ravaged beauty spot.

Dennis Gillibrand, chairman of the group, said workers from the authority had only been on site for 21 days since June 14 and he claimed other parks would deteriorate unless more cash was spent.

But Coun Kate Hollern, executive member for leisure and culture, refuted claims the council was neglecting the woods and said they were committed to improving it. Darwen MP Janet Anderson offered to speak to the council in an effort to free up more resources.

Mr Gillibrand raised the group's concerns after a series of committee meetings of the 40-strong friends. The group's frustrations have built up since the June 14 freak storms which devastated the 85-acre area. Two major paths are still to be repaired and a paddling pool and moat needs de-silting.

But they claim the 'problems' are symptomatic of cuts in the previous three years.

Mr Gillibrand said three workers were based in the park in 1999, two in 2000 before their complete removal in 2001.

He said: "It has been centralised now and workmen are only sent in if they have been given a job to do which means they cannot keep on top of things. It's obvious more funding needs to be added to the budget, or park areas will be in a continued state of deterioration.

"People are concerned at the lack of continued action after the excellent weather in September and October. Without our group's instigation, even routine work maintenance was not being worked due to staffing or operational problems and a reduction in the budget."

Coun Hollern said the paths would be repaired in the coming months but added: "The council does not have an endless amount of money to maintain its parks and woods. However, I can say that the routine maintenance budget for Sunnyhurst Woods stands at over £21,000 and has not been reduced in the last three years.

"On top of this an extra £26,500 has been spent this financial year from many sources, mainly the council but also grants secured from the Forestry Commission and fund-raising from the Friends.

"The flood damage was unforeseen but it is simply not true to say that the council is neglecting the woods.

Mrs Anderson said: "I am very sorry that the Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods feel the council has let them down and I am happy to make representations on their behalf. The group is a wonderful example of groups of that kind."