A COLOURFUL village green fit for the new millennium is set to be created in Hoddlesden.

Plans to convert the site of a derelict pipe works in Queen Street were unveiled at a public meeting by Liz Peel, project officer for Groundwork, Blackburn.

A £45,000 Millennium Commission lottery grant has been pledged to kick-start the work by The Countryside Commission.

Proposals include paths, wildflower areas, ornamental features and a grassed section.

The land is currently owned by Blackburn with Darwen Council and councillors will decided whether to grant a long-term lease to the management group, which has been set up to oversee the project. Catherine Snape, secretary of Hoddlesden Millennium Green management committee, said: "There is a lot of excitement about the plans.

"We have no land in the village at the moment suitable for community activities so we are really keen to secure this valuable asset for future generations to enjoy.

"There is still a long way to go but if everything goes to plan we will have a grand opening early in the year 2000."

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