AN outdoor ski centre, a skate park or a children's play area are some of the ideas being put forward to regenerate the former gas works site on Robin Bank Road.

Sudellside Community Association wants Blackburn with Darwen Council to consider creating outdoor activity areas for local youngsters because 'there is nothing for them to do'.

Earlier this year, the council secured funds under the Reclamation and Management of Derelict Land (Remade) project to clean up seven acres of neglected land by the River Darwen at Robin Bank.

Remade has been set up by Lancashire County Council in partnership with the North West Development Agency.

The council is urging residents in the area to put forward ideas for the decontaminated land, last used by the gasworks 50 years ago.

Public consultation will take place at Derwent Hall on Wednesday, April 16 between 4pm and 7pm.

Community association treas-urer Tracey Gilbertson, 37, said: "It would be quite something to see a skate park in Robin Bank, many youths today have skateboards but have nowhere to go."

Coun Roy Davies for the Sudell ward, lives on Olive Lane, Darwen, and is also a member of the the community association, said: "Many years ago there was a 40 foot long slide in Robin Bank but it was taken away because of vandalism.

"We should use the slopes to create an outdoor ski area.

"It would not only gives youth something to do in the town centre but also it would create employment in Darwen."