A RUN-DOWN play area in Nelson could be earmarked for development after a petition relating to the state of the land was submitted to the council.

Colin Patten, Pendle Council's service manager for parks, cemeteries and outdoor recreation submitted a report to the authority's Nelson Committee to inform members of the condition of Rakeshouse Road play area and to seek permission to declare the site surplus to requirements.

The site is expected to be offered for sale on the open market for residential use and a housing developer has written to the council to say he would be interested in buying the land as he is already developing the adjacent land.

Residents living close to the site have signed a petition asking the council to give consideration to the proposals to redevelop the site and to block the pathway through the land.

They want the area made more secure and moves made to prevent the previous problems of youths loitering, vandalism and graffiti, which occured when it was used as a play area.

Bradley ward councillor Mohammed Iqbal said: "The children's playground has been frequented by youths with alcohol for a while now.

"The equipment was taken out six months ago but it has been run down for a year.

"The site next to it is being developed for housing and the developer has shown interest in buying this site, which I think is a sensible idea.

"The residents don't want the play area rejuvenating because they say the new one in Regent Street is close enough. I fully intend to support their wishes."

The Nelson Committee will be asked on Monday to decide whether the Executive Committee should be requested to declare the site surplus.

It could then be offered on the open market as a potential residential site.

The alternative is that it should remain part of the council's property as a play area.

The site is currently a grassed former play area, which needs maintaining, now that the play equipment has been removed.