TWO disused quarries above Bacup are to be reclaimed and developed into recreation and education sites.

Lee Quarry and the adjoining Green Moor Quarry have been disused since the 1970s, but now an ambitious and innovative scheme has been developed by Lancashire County Council to transform the 50 hectare area into a local amenity.

Included in the plans is the creation of an educational resource where schools and colleges can use the quarry as a learning experience.

New footpaths will be added and there will be a designated area for trial biking.

Tree planting and a dressage area for local horse riders are being considered.

Some of the existing footpaths form part of the Lottery-sponsored Irwell Valley Sculpture Trail.

Tree and shrub planting will be confined to native species and will be subject to a five year maintenance plan.

Chairman of LCC development control sub-committee County Coun Terry Burns said: "This is a very exciting project which will benefit many people in Lancashire.

"By properly managing this open space we can turn it into an educational, recreational and environmental facility.

"Quarrying is a very big part of the history of Rossendale and this particular quarry has some fine examples of how the work was done.

"The County Council will move forward with he plans in partnership with Rossendale Council together with other organisations and benefiting from a land reclamation grant from English Partnerships."

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