A TINY hamlet on the outskirts of the Ribble Valley has been awarded funding for improvement work to its village green.

Horton-in-Craven, near Gisburn, is run by a parish meeting, rather than a parish council and, therefore, has no authority to set precepts and no funding.

Residents approached Ribble Valley Council for funding of £2,050 to improve the green, which is being damaged by vehicles.

The work is to include stone kerbs around the green to protect it from further erosion, and a limited amount of decorative post and chain fencing at two corners, planting of mixed bulbs.

The wife of the late Bob Heaton, of Horton Manor has also requested permission to plant a red hawthorn tree in the centre of the green and erect a small plaque in his memory. This will be paid for by herself.

Coun Charles Warkman said he realised Horton-in-Craven had no access to community funds as it could not set a council tax precept, but instead suggested residents try and contribute something towards the cost, even if it was only the bulbs.

The borough council agreed to support the residents' request, with £1,500 from this year's conservation and environmental enhancement budget. The remaining £550 is to be taken from next year's common land budget.

It was also agreed to include the grass-cutting routine of the site in the grounds maintenance contract works, undertaken by the council's direct services organisation.