A MODEL of how an eyesore site in Pendle will look after it has been transformed into a nature area is being created with the help of schoolchildren.

A community group plans to turn the area off Hill Street, Colne, from a dumping ground to a place for people to enjoy and be proud of.

Pupils from nearby West Street Primary School were asked for their ideas on how the site could be improved and their suggestions will be incorporated into a model of the proposed area. It is hoped the children will be able to use the area for nature studies. Ian Robinson, chairman of Waterside Community Project, said: "The model will be, in effect, a 3D working plan of how we want to see the area.

"Work is expected to start at Easter to clear the site. We will be planting in the autumn and hopefully by this time next year we will have completed the job."

Among the suggestions put forward are flower beds, benches, a pond and a skate park for local children.

"We will be having a series of clean-up days to get rid of the rubbish and then work can start on creating an area for the community," said Mr Robinson. "Anyone who has suggestions can put them forward. We want this to be a community-led project."

Waterside Community Project has teamed up with Groundwork East Lancashire and other environmental groups to fund the scheme and enlist professional help in transforming the steeply sloping council-owned site, which has been used as a rubbish tip for years. The scheme has also been backed by local councillors.

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