Pendle News Room

The new playground on Brunswick Street is being created through the Healthy Town strand of the Town Deal project and will be aimed at providing both play and fitness equipment for teenagers.

The existing playground is in very poor condition following years of repeated vandalism.

The decision to create a playground for older children follows a public consultation last October when residents were asked what they would like to see in its place.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Nelson Town Deal board member, said: “This is fantastic news! Not only will we see a deteriorating, existing playground being brought back to life, but it will provide somewhere for our teenage residents.

“Nelson’s teenagers desperately need somewhere to socialise. This park will provide them with a place to enjoy fresh air, meet with their friends and exercise at the same time.”

The new equipment, which will provide both play and fitness elements, will include an Activzone climber, chin-up and pull-up bars, a ladder wall and monkey bars, along with new surfacing and seating.

Stephen Barnes, Chair of the Nelson Town Deal, added: “This new playground is one of four being funded through the Nelson Town Deal as part of the Healthy Town project, alongside another one for juniors at Walverden Park, Marsden Park and Victoria Park.”

Phil Riley, the Council’s Green Spaces Manager, added: “Two events were held last October for residents to have their say.

“The first one was at Vernon Street Community Centre and the second one at the park itself on a busy weekend. Many members of the public, both young and old, came along to give their opinion on four suggested schemes from different manufacturers. 

“Other suggestions from the consultation were for a fixed cricket backstop and a football goalpost to be installed on the adjacent grass field. This is currently being investigated.”