THE Memorial Garden in Edenfield is undergoing a £22,000 makeover to transform it into a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Work has begun to refurbish the Market Street site with new paving, seating, planting and eight mosaic paving slabs, depicting local features, created by local youngsters during the Roar Youth Art project.

Pupils from Edenfield Primary School, Stubbins Primary School and Edenfield playgroup will also be carrying out some bulb planting in the garden.

Edenfield and District Horticultural Society (EDHS) is behind the project in a bid to create a more welcoming and attractive space for the community and a more fitting war memorial.

Marshall's quarry has donated an engraved stone to commemorate those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts.

Lancashire County Councillor and Rossendale Council Leader Coun Duncan Ruddick said: "With current world events, it is as important as ever to remember the tragedy of previous conflicts and take time to reflect on the freedoms we still have.

"The enhanced facilities in the Memorial Garden will improve this community space so that it can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

"The Edenfield community has been affected by quarrying for many years and it's excellent to find a scheme that will bring real benefits back to the community."

Edenfield is affected by heavy traffic from local quarry operations and the Memorial Garden makeover is designed to compensate the community by enhancing the local landscape for residents and visitors. The scheme is a partnership between Edenfield and District Horticultural Society, Lancashire County Council, Groundwork Rossendale and Rossendale Borough Council.

The cost has been met by a £5,000 grant from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF), which aims to compensate communities for such disruption, as well as grants from Lancashire Environmental Fund, Awards for All, and the Lancashire Small Sites Reclamation Programme.

Donations have also been received from the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, Edenfield Village Residents' Association and EDHS.

The official opening is set for December 4.