PEOPLE power is set to boost the image of a run-down park and turn it into an attraction for townsfolk.

The recently formed Ashton Park Watch want to create a facility that rivals Darwen's larger parks.

The face-lift will involve building a large children's play area and toilets, improving disabled access and getting a miniature railway up and running.

Chairman Alan Lord said: "The park has suffered from serious vandalism and we hope to return it to a place people want to visit. We know this will never happen unless we pull together and get things going ourselves."

A celebratory festival in the park will take place on Sunday, May 19 - the second day of Blackburn Borough Council's Green Week.

During the event a new avenue of cherry trees will be planted by the action group. More than 25 attractions are booked for the day to help raise funds for further improvements in the park. A jumble sale last week boosted the park watch account by £800. And local companies have also contributed to the cause.

Mr Lord added: "It is a long term project but we have lots of enthusiastic members and things are really getting off the ground."

Any local businesses wishing to help the action group should ring Stan Mills on 682525.

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