£335k Huncoat green spaces project

11:31am Sunday 18th May 2008

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WORK has begun on a £335,000 project to transform a derelict, cleared housing site in Huncoat into green space.

Land at Within Grove, which has remained empty for 10 years, will be closed while it is transformed into an off-road cycle path surrounded by wildflowers, trees and shrubs.

The cycle path, surrounded by an informal recreation area, at Within Grove is expected to be completed by August. In the long term the path will be extended to link Huncoat Village, Within Grove and the Milnshaw area of Accrington by 2009.

Lancashire County Council's REMADE team, will create a new area of open space with landscaping and a greenway, which they say will significantly improve the appearance of the cleared housing site.

Over the next few months work will be done to landscape the area for informal recreation including new tree, shrub and wildflower planting and a combined footpath and cycle track, with lighting throughout the site.

The footpath and cycle track will form Phase Three of the Huncoat Greenway which will provide safe off-road cycling for the area. REMADE is hoping to complete Phase 4 of the greenway, further west by 2009.

The project has been developed in partnership with Hyndburn Borough Council, Hyndburn Homes and Huncoat Youth Project and follows extensive consultation over the last two years with residents of Within Grove.

County Coun Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for environment and transportation, said: "I am always pleased to see work that brings derelict land back into public use, especially a project that creates new recreation facilities.

"Green spaces in our urban environment are important for a variety of reasons and can really contribute to the quality of life for local people. Disused land can make an area seem run down and a scheme like this one will cre! ate a positive atmosphere and add to the continuing regeneration of Accrington and Hyndburn."

Coun Lynn Wilson, who oversees leisure, arts and parks in Hyndburn, said "I am delighted that this environmental regeneration is now underway. Local people have been involved and are really looking forward to having a well designed space for community activities and a lovely route for recreation and getting to school."