CHILDREN at Brierfield Pre-school can now exercise in the fresh air following the launch of a long-awaited play area next to the community centre.

Plans for the play area were submitted to Pendle Council by Brierfield Pre-School and approved after staff told local councillors about its advantages.

They were originally recommended for refusal by the council's planning officers who agreed with concerns raised by the parks and cemeteries department that it would not be in a suitable location.

Brierfield Pre-School received a grant of £4,465 from the Children First (Lancashire Early Years Development and Child Care Partnership), which has been used to create the play area surrounded by high railings.

Amanda Sharp, pre-school assistant, said: "It's wonderful that we can finally get it up and running but unfortunate that we couldn't have it in time for spring and summer. The children will be able to get plenty of outdoor exercise as there is room to run around. I believe we are being given a children's bench by a Brierfield charity shop and hoping to get more funds for play equipment".

The pre-school's latest OFSTED report said that it did not need to be re-inspected for the next two to four years and found no significant areas for improvement. It stated that an effective physical development programme was offered but there were no dedicated areas for outdoor play.

Mayor of Brierfield Coun Lyn Heaton said: "The children can now play in safety, They can't get out of the area once they are in it and no-one can snatch them. The pre-school does an excellent job and staff have wanted this for ages."