HYNDBURN Council has announced plans to plough money into two Accrington parks – just weeks after removing one playground in Great Harwood because it couldn’t afford to repair the equipment there.

The council said it will spend £50,000 to upgrade the playgrounds at Bullough Park, in Dunny Shop Avenue, and Peel Park, in Alice Street.

Another £60,000 would come from external funding, budget documents showed.

Last month, the council was accused of ‘pulling the rug from under the feet’ of residents by removing swings and a climbing frame, with slides monkey bars and a fireman’s pole, from Edge End park.

Youth justice worker, Gaenor Bridges, 44, said: “The council is still saying they will replace the park, but with no guarantees of when.

“And although they expect some funds in April, there are still no guarantees. The other residents and myself are still skeptical and concerned the children will have nowhere to play in the spring, which isn't too far away.

The Edge End resident continued: “Surely this would have been best placed before the removal of a perfectly adequate play space.”

The removed park in Edge End will be covered over by grass, with a new play area estimated to cost around £100,000.

Councillors will look at funding streams in April, but an external source of funding would likely need to be secured too.

Ciaran Wells, who is portfolio holder for education, leisure and arts, met with Gaenor to discuss the parks.

He said: “The play area was removed because it had reached a point where it was beyond economical repair and we were worried it would become unsafe. We do want to replace the play equipment there.”