PLAYING fields in Great Harwood will be protected as part of a government scheme to commemorate the First World War.


The Centenary Fields programme aimed to protect one green space in every area of the country to create a lasting legacy to those who gave their lives a century ago.


The council's cabinet agreed earlier this week to nominate Memorial Park and Playing Fields as Hyndburn's Centenary Field site.


Other councils from East Lancashire will also have the opportunity to nominate playing fields in their areas in the coming months.


Head of parks and cemeteries at Hyndburn Council, Craig Haraben, said Fields In Trust, formerly the National Playing Fields Association, expects the majority of sites in the programme to already have a link to the First World War.


Memorial Park contains a war memorial, originally built from public subscription following the First World War.


It also features a small shelter funded by what was then the Local Ladies Committee, built to offer visitors a place of refuge during bad weather.


Mr Haraben said: "The council has the opportunity to participate in this national campaign and dedicate a local park in commemoration of the First World War, which would complement the work already going on in the borough.


"This programme affords an existing park and playing field site extra protection from possible future development at no additional cost to the authority."


The Friends of Memorial Park, Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, and parks boss Coun Ken Moss were all consulted on the plans.


Coun Moss said: "The programme designates one of the parks in the borough to commemorate the First World War and to protect the land.


"Memorial Park was a logical choice because it was set up as a memorial — hence its name — so it makes sense to protect it in perpetuity. 


"We discussed it with the local forum and Friends Of group and it has been given the green light, but nothing will change drastically from the public's point of view.


"There's a few things going on, such as the planting of Cherry Blossom trees, but nothing major."


The council will now be required to sign a contract to officially protect the park as a Centenary Field. 


Mr Haraben added: "This programme will raise community interest in their local park and environment, while generating some positive publicity for the council."