RESIDENTS in the Sudell ward of Darwen will be given an opportunity to say how £300,000 should be spent in their neighbourhood during the next few months.

Improvement works to specific recreational parts of the Olive Lane area of the town will soon be under way after the council was successful in its bid for government cash.

Blackburn with Darwen Council applied to the government-funded Liveability Fund, a scheme aimed at improving the environment in urban areas.

It has now been chosen has one of the beneficiaries of the pot of cash which will go towards updating a play area, bowling green and small park at Olive Lane. Residents and users of the areas will now be consulted on what specific improvements they would like to see carried out.

Jim Shorrock, the Labour candidate for Sudell ward, said: "I am delighted that the government has approved this bid for Olive Lane by the council. Consultations with residents will take place as to what they wish to see happen.

"This £300,000 is a lot of money so we should be able to see major improvements to these sites. I am especially keen to see the current play area and all weather pitch improved as well as the facilities and security for the bowling green and park."

Local councillors Eileen Entwistle and Derek Brindle campaigned for something to be done to make the public areas nicer and safer.

Coun Brindle said: "We have campaigned for improvements to this area for some time. It is great that the council's bid has been successful.

"£300,000 will make a big difference. We look forward to working with residents and users of the park and bowling green in order to put forward suitable plans for improvements."