A proposal to extend a village playground has been welcomed.

Plans have been submitted by Hyndburn council to extend the Hollow Children’s Playground, off Bolton Avenue, Huncoat and build a multi-use games area.

We reported last year that the facilities were due to be upgraded using money donated by the developers behind the Bluebell Way housing scheme, in addition to council funding.

Hyndburn council officers said there had been a number of new housing developments in the area and a decline of local free to use leisure facilities.

A council design and access statement said: “The purpose of this proposal is to provide a free to use facility for children of all ages, intended for ballsports, including football, cricket and basketball.

“This facility will be maintained by Hyndburn Borough Council and subject to regular inspections.”

Coun Eamonn Higgins welcomed the application.

He said: “After holding a consultation with the community the decision was made to locate the play area next to the current site.

“The end result will be similar to that which is up at the Coppice and it will be able to accommodate football, tennis and basketball.

“It is great for the local area and will give some of the older children something to do.”

Huncoat resident Dave Parkins, a former councillor who took a role in securing funding from the Bluebell Way development 15 years ago, said he was delighted the plan was going forward.

He said: “The plan was originally to locate the play area right in the middle of the village, but people did not want that.

“There were then discussions about a few other locations which residents weren’t too keen on and the Hollows has now been decided on.”

He added: “I am glad that this is moving forward and I welcome it, it just took a while to get there but that’s democracy. It is a needed facility and it will hopefully provide a good area for older children to use.”