A BUTTERFLY garden is flourishing in the middle of a Blackburn housing estate, thanks to the hard work of dedicated residents.

Livesey Urban Wildlife Park, which is officially opening this Saturday, also boasts a bonfire area, new lighting and footpaths.

The local people spent three years working on the site, which began life as the "Greener Livesey Plan".

After consultations with local people and working with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, a wildflower garden and more than 1,000 native trees were planted, as well as improvements to footpaths.

There are also plans to build a play area for local children on the site, which is off Scotland Bank Terrace.

Councillor Gail Barton, Blackburn's development services committee chairman, said: "The residents have done a remarkable job transforming the area into a genuine wildlife park for the benefit of the entire community.

"It is a tremendous example of people working together and in partnership with the council and other local groups."

Coun Barton will open the park at 1.30pm with a tree planting ceremony.

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