A GOVERNMENT minister was today due to meet campaigners trying to save a vandal-hit park from troublemakers.

Regeneration minister Sally Keeble was visiting 150-year-old Corporation Park, which has a Grade II listed conservatory which has been targeted by vandals and needs restoration.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has a multi-million-pound plan to improve the park and is seeking cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

During her visit, Miss Keeble was meeting the Friends of Corporation Park, who are already involved in restoration projects.

The park's listed Victorian conservatory was recently hit by vandals who smashed windows and set fire to seating.

The minister was visiting Blackburn with Darwen because it is one of the 24 partners in the Towns and Cities -- Partners in Urban Renaissance project.

The year-long research programme is aimed at taking forward the Government's pledge to make towns and cities better places in which to live and work.

The minister was arriving at Blackburn Town Hall where she was being greeted by deputy council leader Coun Kate Hollern. She was then visiting Corporation Park before having a private lunch with council members and business leaders.

Miss Keeble was then due to visit the council's Bank Top Access Point before touring the renewal area.