CHILDREN'S favourite Jessie Pedlow is to have a toddlers' park named after her.

Although eighty and virtually blind, Jessie has been described by Burnley Council leader Kath Reade as the "powerhouse'' behind the campaign for the grassland play area among houses in Sefton Terrace off Piccadilly Road. A specially designed wrought iron sign for "Jessie's Park'' is being made and donated by local businessman Brian Rourke.

Asking the recreation and leisure committee to approve the development of the play area, Coun Reade paid tribute to the Piccadilly Area Residents Association who have raised more than £7,000 in a year.

Even more remarkable, she said, were the efforts of Mrs Pedlow, the powerhouse of PARA.

Residents and local children have designed the playground and chosen the equipment.

Local people had also volunteered to prepare the ground and plant shrubs. Toddlers are not able to play safely on the playground for older children at the end of Piccadilly Road, which is out of sight of most houses.

"This little area of grass is wedged in among the houses, none of which have gardens to play in," said Coun Reade.

"Toddlers can play near their own homes and under close parental supervision so sadly necessary these days.''

Until plans for the playground were formed, the land was regularly the scene for anti-social behaviour with large fires being set regularly.

On occasions the fire service was called out two or three times a night, said Coun Reade.

But with the playground scheme, community spirit was building and the people were already looking after it.

She added: "The children are asking: 'Is it nearly time for Jessie's Park?'

"Well with your help, yes it is, and I hope you can support the local residents.''

The committee agreed to back the scheme.

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