RESIDENTS are working together to transform an eyesore area into a local beauty spot the whole community can enjoy.

Groundwork Blackburn in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's regeneration department is behind the scheme which aims to transform a derelict area in Bank Top into a community garden. Residents have identified an area of land at the junction of Higson Street with Devonport Road as an area for improvement and they have been asked how they would like to see the site developed.

With funding from Barclays Bank and the Capital Receipts Initiative the project hopes to encourage residents to get involved, including rolling up their sleeves and mucking in. The garden will eventually include grassed area that can be used by all local residents.

Fiona Hargreaves, senior project officer for Groundwork Blackburn, said: "The area is a real eyesore at the moment and many residents have said that they would like to see a change. It will be nice to see the area transformed with the help and support of local residents."

There will be a launch event to mark the start of the physical work at 1.30pm on Monday, when plans of the garden will be on show. Residents are welcome to attend.