A BLACKBURN community has been given the chance to improve its surroundings.

Groundwork Blackburn and the Roe Lee Area Residents' Association have joined forces on a project called PEACAP, to find out what could be done to improve the Roe Lee.

PEACAP -- Participatory Environmental Appraisal and Community Action Planning -- is funded by the National Lottery.

A total of 900 questionnaires were sent out under the scheme, to get residents' views on issues including safety, community facilities, recreation, telephone boxes and public transport.

Groundwork say there was a good response to the questionnaires and the next step will be to ask young people in the area for their views.

The information gathered will be used to produce community action plans, which can be used to gain support and funding for the development of safe play areas, solutions to traffic problems and entertainment for young people.

Rachel Street, Groundwork Blackburn's senior community projects officer, said: "Groundwork Blackburn strives to improve local communities through partnership and Roe Lee is a good example of our involvement.

"The PEACAP team here are working hard to help people take local action."

A total of 12 wards across Blackburn will be consulted by PEACAP during the year. Anyone wanting to get involved should contact Rachel Street on 01254 265163.