PARENTS and councillors have launched a crusade to get their village park renovated -- after claiming that parts of it have been left untouched for almost 25 years.

People living in Edgworth say the park is in such a state of disrepair that facilities are starting to become dangerous.

Now, residents have begun collecting a petition and will be sending it to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

A spokesman for the council said work was done to bring the park in line with safety guidelines introduced a couple of years ago. A large amount of remedial work had been agreed more was planned.

But Coun Jean Rigby said the lack of work was a disgrace.

She said: "I cannot remember the last time the park was renovated. There is a lot of remedial work goes on but the park needs new things putting in it.

"Whenever we approach the council about it, we are told on a personal level that we are well off in Edgworth and could do something about it ourselves.

"But that is not the point.

"Per head of population in Edgworth and the North Turton ward we pay more in council tax than anywhere else. We should get something back for that money. "The roundabouts and swings are looking very outdated now and anti-slip mats which were put down have either come loose or have been damaged.

"Many parents are concerned about the safety of the facilities."

The park, next to the Barlow Institute in Bolton Road, is used by the majority of the people in Edgworth.

"People also come from neighbouring Entwistle and Chapeltown to use it.

"This park is an integral part of the community in Turton and it is a shame to see it in this state," said Coun Rigby. "I think it is going to cost about £40,000 to replace the equipment in the park and there just does not seem to be the money available.

"The North Turton Parish Council cannot afford it either.

"Many other areas in the borough have received funding from the government's single regeneration budget to pay for park renovations but Edgworth does not qualify for that scheme.

"It is about time something was done in Edgworth and we can actually see something positive being done with the council tax we pay every month."