A £30,000 scheme to redevelop a playground in Colne looks likely to get the thumbs up from local councillors on Thursday.

Following a recent inspection, the majority of play equipment at Atkinson Street playground, situated off Daisy Street, Colne, has had to be removed.

It is the last playground in need of repair in the Colne Committee's area and the service manager for parks, cemeteries and outdoor recreation, Colin Patten, has secured £30,000 to develop the site through the Sure Start scheme.

As the funding is from Sure Start, the playground will have to be designed for use by children under four.

Parks outreach officer Fred Stewart said: "The site is on a slope but can accommodate a scheme to satisfy the constraints laid down by Sure Start and also leave an area that could be used for more adventurous equipment when finance becomes available.

"The area would be completely fenced to prevent access by dogs therefore ensuring a safe area for young children to play. The safety of all members of the community is paramount. Consequently all equipment on the site will comply with current standards."

All equipment will have safer surfacing and barriers will be provided to prevent direct access to the road from the play area. No cash input will be required from the council.

Councillors have been advised to instruct Mr Patten to proceed with identifying schemes for Atkinson Street, which will then be considered by the Colne Committee and local interested groups.

Clive Acraman, Sure Start programme manager, said: "This playground is being provided by Sure Start's Waterbridge programme and will be specially designed for children under four.

"The idea of the playground was originally brought to the attention of Sure Start by the parents living nearby, who were part of the original research undertaken by the Sure Start programme.

"It is hoped that all children under four and their parents will benefit from this resource, which is much needed in the area."

The results of the consultations and tender process will be reported back to the next committee meeting.