THE man who devised the idea for Ashton Park in Darwen 24 years ago is urging people to join a group to ensure its future.

Frank Hull, 60, of Ashton Road, is working with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to try and improve what has become a rundown five-acre area.

Council officers have told him that the best way to unlock funds for improvement would be to form a friends group, following on from the success of groups supporting Sunnyhurst Woods and Bold Venture Park, also in Darwen.

Now he needs volunteers, particularly with children or an interest in wildlife, to form a group to begin campaigning.

"I came up with the idea for the park in 1978," he said, "at the time we had no play area for kids and we had a lot of problems. The old mill lodge was the only place available. We started a petition and the council took it on.

"But there has been no maintenance at all and it has deteriorated. The play equipment is wearing. The council has said it may contribute new play equipment if there is a residents' group which can raise money for other things."

An action list includes: adapting pathways for the disabled and the update of the wild life pond: road access from the A666; negotiations with the council to install play equipment and extending the clear area so events can be staged.

Mr Hull said: "We are the only park on the east side of the A666 and serve a wide area. The park has become popular and it has proved its worth. Now we need people to support us."

A spokesman for the council said: "This park has the potential to be Darwen's hidden jewel. We want to let people in Darwen know about this lovely little park which, at the moment, is under-used. We are raring to go, we just need some support from people in Darwen."

Anyone interested should call Mr Hull on 01254 761699.