IT will take several months for Sunnyhurst Woods to be repaired following freak storms, a council officer has revealed.

The repair bill is expected to reach £500,000 and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has pledged to restore the park to its former glory. Last night, members of the Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods attended a crisis meeting at the Old England Kiosk and discussed how to assist the restoration of the beauty spot.

They heard a damage report from Darren Bell, the parks and amenities manager at the council. The flash floods left a 40ft by 12ft chasm at the woods, damaged two bridges and washed away all the footpaths.

Some 60 tonnes of rubble were washed down on to Sunnyhurst Lane and Borough Road.

Council workmen have been busy since the floods on Friday June 14 as they begin repairing three-quarters of a mile of land.

Dennis Gillibrand, chair of the friends group, said: "We can't complain at all about the effort of the council workmen. They have been working really hard, but there is a long way to go."

It was announced that the group's summer gala could be staged in August. Last Sunday's event was cancelled due to the flood damage.

"There is 12 months spent preparing for the gala," said Dennis, "and it brings in about £1,400, all of which goes back into the park."

Peter Hunt, director of direct services for the council, said: "Our main intention is to get Sunnyhurst Wood back to its full use so that people are not inconvenienced. "The council will be working with the Friends group in order to restore the wood to it's former glory."