PEOPLE in Helmshore are to be consulted over what action should be taken to preserve the long term future of a park that belongs to residents.

More than 1,500 questionnaires to homes in the area ask for views on how to safeguard Helmshore Pocket Park, in Snig Hole.

Last year the park was hit by a number of incidents of vandalism until the Community Action for Snig Hole (CASH) committee was set up.

The group has six members who are working alongside Rossendale Council to find money to redevelop the park.

Founding member Tracey Shaw, of Holden Wood Drive, said according to documents held by the council the park was donated to residents by the Porritt family many years ago.

She said: "The park belongs to the residents and the council cannot sell it without the consent of residents. We have prepared the questionnaires asking people what improvements should be made."

CASH have applied for grants from Groundwork Rossendale and Lancashire County Council Green Partnership Award to help fund its work.

The questionnaire asks people what they use the park for and what they think of its current status. It also asks what people would like to see happen to the park.