A NEW games area is in the pipeline for south-west Burnley thanks to a £24,000 environmental fund grant.

Lancashire community agency Proffitts has been awarded the cash by the Veolia Environmental Trust to install the new playground at Hargher Clough Recreation Ground.

The company provides the refuse service around Burnley, Padiham and Hapton and runs a community grants programme.

Martin Proffitt, a director for the applicants, said: “This is fantastic news. It means we can push the project forward and start work on installing the new multi-use games area.”

Trust bosses said they selected the initiative as the site is derelict, underused and neglected and the work would provide play and sporting activities for a wide range of local people.

Paul Taylor, the trust’s executive director, added: “This is a great start to 2014, both for us and the projects we have awarded grants to.

“This scheme will boost the potential for exercise and enjoyment offered by the recreation ground for the benefit of the community of Burnley, and I look forward to seeing it start and take shape.”

Another £30,000 has been handed to the Padiham Road Methodist Church in Burnley, which will be used to make the building more accessible, remodel the interior, revamp the heating system and improve insulation.

Trust board members approved grants totalling £2.2million for 77 schemes across their operational area.

Funding is provided through the Landfill Communities Fund and nearly £1.1million has been distributed to good causes in Lancashire over the past five years.