A DEVOLUTION revolution will see control of parks given to those at grass roots level in Hyndburn.

And Rhyddings Park in Oswaldtwistle - which is in line for a £1M makeover - has been selected as the pilot in Hyndburn Council's bid to transfer power to the people.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe told this week's Cabinet meeting that the "exciting" development could be rolled out across the borough and even lead to residents absorbing other council powers.

He said: "I would like this to be the start of something that could be spread throughout the borough with area councils managing the budgets of parks.

"We set aside £40,000 in the budget to begin this project. It will mean people can choose their own priorities for the parks. Decisions will be made by the people using them and who live locally.

"It is a very exciting step forward and something we've been moving towards for quite some time. It's all about making local democrary as democratic as possible."

Nicole Cook, council devolution co-ordinator, said: "There are a number of reasons for using this park as a pilot. At the moment it does not have a 'Friends Of' organisation supporting the park unlike other parks in the borough.

"Choosing Rhyddings will provide an opportunity to develop a group from local residents and park users. There is also an opportunity to involve them to determine what facilities are required in the park.

"This information will form the basis of a consultation exercise in order to submit a Heritage Lottery funding bid for approximately £1M."