A NEGLECTED stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Church has been relaunched as a scenic visitor attraction.

The Donkey Back Picnic Site and Halfway Marker artworks were opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn, Coun David Parkins and Coun Lesley Jackson. Civic dignitaries from Leeds and Liverpool also attended.

Community project manager Mike Stapleford said: "The event was a celebration of the work in transforming an under-used and often neglected resource in Hyndburn."

The scheme was devised by the Church Prospects Panel, a community group which identified the need for improved facilities along the canal, especially at its traditional halfway point.

Mr Stapleford added: "The picnic site has a 60ft landing stage nearby for boaters. Children can now feed the ducks and swans in safety and anglers fish in comfort."

The Halfway Marker is made up of seven galvanised steel panels shaped to form a boat's keel, rudder and tiller.

Images have been cut into these depicting local industry and schoolchildren's interpretations of what the canal means to them. The Halfway Marker was created and designed by Chrysalis Arts, who, with the help of Mid Pennine Arts, co-ordinated the involvement of St. Nicholas CE and Sacred Heart RC primary pupils from Church.

Bernard Scully, of the Church Prospects Panel, said: "This project has shown what can actually be achieved when local people work together to improve their surroundings.

"We hope that it will help to kick-start the many plans that are proposed for Church and the canal, and also inspire and give confidence to other small community groups looking to improve their local area."

The Church, Rishton, Oswaldtwistle and Clayton prospects panels all have projects planned to the canal a facelift in the next year.

And Hyndburn Council and English Heritage are examining plans to repair, refurbish and reuse historic buildings along the towpath, including the Commercial Hotel and the Hargreaves Warehouse.

Mr Stapleford said completing the project had only been made possible through funding provided by the Lancashire Environmental Fund, Hyndburn Borough Council, Lancashire County Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

The Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Community Volunteer Service, British Waterways, St. James' Church members and Church Central and Church Kirk Residents' Associations helped out on the day.