Instead of ploughing money into the area's bigger parks, such as Leyland's historic Worden Park, the cash will be used to revamp small playgrounds around the far-flung borough.

Nine sites are likely to benefit from improvements, and councillors sitting on the recreation and amenities contract committee were due to decide which ones would undergo a face-lift at a meeting held last night (Wednesday).

The playgrounds which have been short-listed for extra financial support include:

Leyland: Bent Lane, Hastings Road, Ryden Ave, and Bowbrook Road;

South Ribble: Hutton Playing Fields; Dob Lane, Little Hoole; Samlesbury Playing Fields and Hawthorn Ave, Hoghton.

A spokesman for the council said: "Members of the committee have been advised that, unlike previous years, investment in the main parks is not needed unless unforeseen circumstances arise.

"Nevertheless, in the long term, resources will be needed to ensure the sites maintain their current level of appeal.

"So we would like to channel these funds this year into the smaller parks and playgrounds.

"£60,000 is available and big improvements can be made."

Most of the work will include laying new surfaces and replacing some play equipment.

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