A WAYSIDE garden is being transformed into a pleasant gateway as part of Bacup and Stacksteads Greening Project.

Senior project officer at Groundwork Rossendale Murray Chalmers said: "Bacup Consortium carried out a survey of grot spots and this area was identified.

"The garden is being renovated and new paving has been installed .

"We are also going to light the area which will make the security cameras already in that area more effective."

An artist has also been commissioned to produce railings on the theme of the famous Britannia Coconutters, who will perform their traditional boundary to boundary dance on Saturday.

It is planned to hold an official opening ceremony on May 4.

Murray said: "There was a paved area there and when we removed it to start excavating we discovered the foundations of old houses.

"It was used as a place for problem drinking at night but we hope people will take ownership of it.

"The new seating will provide a pleasant place for people eating their lunch or meeting friends and it will improve the entrance into the town centre."