A RISHTON play area is set to be overhauled for the good of the community after a long-awaited lease was finally signed.

Councillors in the town have campaigned for improve-ments to be made to the Holt Street recreation ground for several months, but the council's lease on the site lapsed in March last year.

The work was put on hold while a new contract was prepared between Hyndburn Council, who will run the play area, and site owners the Dunkenhalgh Estate.

Now both parties have signed which will give the go-ahead for improvements including an upgraded football pitch, changing facilities and games area and a meeting place for youngsters.

Today the news was welcomed by councillors.

Councillor Ann Scaife said: "Holt Street was leased by the council from the Dunkenhalgh Estate as an informal recreational facility for the people of Rishton.

"The old lease for the site came to an end in March 2005 and negotiations between representatives of the Dunkenhalgh Estate and the council have moved slowly and we've been campaigning to get the lease signed since then.

"We are delighted it's been sorted, as the signing is the key to unlocking the funds to get all these improvements done."

The play area is one of the largest in Rishton, and serves the lower end of the town, which does not have many facilities for children.

Coun Lesley Jackson said: "These proposed improve-ments are much needed, and therefore it's fantastic news that the representatives of the Dunkenhalgh Estate have listened to our pleas and signed the lease.

"Now things can start moving."