Breathing Places

BBC Radio Lancashire, as part of the Breathing Places campaign, asked our local councils to bid for a visit from the BBC 'swat team' to clean up a public space or park that's a bit of a 'grot spot' to create a place where people can enjoy their natural surroundings.

Voting has now closed, with the winner announced as Pendle Borough Council...

The competition was so successful that we're also planning a makeover at runner-up Lancaster in the near future, and third place Hyndburn on 26 June 2007.

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Why does it deserve the Swat Team treatment? "The local community first got involved in this site in 1996, when it was a piece of derelict land and a disused factory site.  Through funding from the Countryside Agency they worked with local organisations such as Groundwork Trust, local schools and businesses to create the Millennium Green. The area was originally developed into a community open space with woodland, walkways, open space and an outdoor performance space.  The local community were heavily involved in designing and developing the area. Once completed the area was handed over to a group of local people who acted as trustees.  However, there was no long term funding for the area and over time, many trustees have moved away or become involved in other things. 

The remaining trustees have been looking for a way to reinvigorate the area and re-engage local people in its management and maintenance.   The SWAT Team could be the catalyst they need to re-engage local interest and get the area back up to a state where the job of taking on a more proactive management role would not seem too onerous. 

The site is in a Neighbourhood Management area, and through discussions with local people, it is felt the local community are keen to revitalise the area, but would benefit greatly from a being involved in the Breathing Spaces programme as this could kick start the regeneration process.

The type of work which to be carried out could include:
Repainting some of the murals/art work
General clean up and litter pick
Possibly thinning out/cutting back trees and shrubs
Improving/tidying up some of the footpaths"

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Results...

5th place - Rossendale
4th place - South Ribble
3rd place - Hyndburn
2nd place - Lancaster
1st place - Pendle