A RESIDENTS' association which is bidding for lottery funding for recreation facilities for youngsters is being held up as a role model.

The Piccadilly Area Residents Association in Burnley has already been active in recent years in providing play facilities, including a playground and a floodlit skateboard/rollerblade park which attracts youngsters from other parts of the town.

The group has now prepared a £55,000 bid for lottery funding for:

Ramps for skateboard/ rollerblade/BMX use;

Play equipment for special needs children;

A youth shelter where young people can meet;

Picnic benches;

Disabled access to Piccadilly Park;

A community arts project;

Funding for a detached youth worker to work at the site. Council officers have helped with preparation for the bid and now the recreation and leisure committee has agreed to give it support and to make arrangements for lease of the site, which is necessary if the bid is to be successful.

PARA treasurer Jean Greenall told councillors said everyone would benefit from the scheme. It would provide free-to-use recreational facilities for different age groups, help to prevent vandalism and keep youngsters off the streets.

She said the rollerblade park was extensively used and had exceeded all their expectations.

Coun John Harbour commented: "I want to stress to PARA how grateful we are for what they have done and what they are doing.

"This is a pathfinding idea which other groups may take on board as well."

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