A COUNCILLOR is appealing to the public to buy up allotments to keep Darwen blooming.

Dave Smith, who represents Sunnyhurst ward, wants residents to spruce up the land around Harwood Street and Tockholes Road. He said: "There used to be a waiting list for people to buy the land but people seem less interested these days. A lot of the allotments are kept really well but there are some that are completely overgrown. There is no one on the list any more and it's a shame because it could be a really nice area.

"There is a lot of potential there for an area that Darwen can be proud of but people really need to get involved with it."

Anyone interested in purchasing an allotment can contact the council on 01254 585585 or Coun Smith on 01254 773470.