A RUN-down playground which was labelled dangerous by local mums could soon benefit from a £30,000 revamp.

Members of Hyndburn's leisure services committee meet on Monday to consider a recommendation to refurbish the recreation area off Back Lane, Baxenden.

The report states: "The equipment is virtually non-existent due to age and its removal. It serves a large community east of Manchester Road."

The report adds: "There is a strong case for treating this site before other major sites. While we are keen to maintain these areas, vandalism makes it very difficult and we are working on a very tight budget."

Last September, worried mums, in fear of their children's safety, called on the council to give the park a facelift.

Amanda Barnes, of Manchester Road, has three children under the age of 10. She said: "The play area is revolting and there's hardly any equipment left.

"The cleansing department cleaned it once but as far as I am aware, they have ignored it since."

Angela Staples, of Shelley Drive, said: "It's disgusting. Our kids have nowhere safe to play. Local councillor Derek Scholes, who last year led a petition to get the recreation area refurbished, said: "It is about time this area had money spent on it. It has been shunned for too long."

If approved, the refurbishment will include new equipment and pushchair and wheelchair access.

The leisure services committee meeting was postponed until Monday, July 1 so members could watch England v Germany in the European Championships.

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