ARTISTS and environmental workers have helped clean up a canalside in Church and improve safety for pedestrians at the same time.

A scheme to tidy up the footpath next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, alongside Blackburn Road, has been completed with the help of Groundwork East Lancashire.

Broken fencing between the road and a steep drop to the canal has been replaced with metal panels, provided by Sign Studio of Great Harwood, and decorated with designs of local landmarks and industries such as Accrington Brickworks, created by local schoolchildren.

The area has been replanted and seats at a nearby bus stop have also been replaced.

Money for the scheme was provided by English Partnerships, Hyndburn Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.

County councillor George Slynn, who was at the unveiling of the finished project, said: "I'm very impressed with the improvements made at this site.

"This is a good example of how environmental groups can work in partnership with councils to bring real improvements to areas."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.