RESIDENTS are a step closer to building a much-needed games area to stop youngsters playing on dangerous roads.

Springfield and Alice Street Residents' Association in Darwen is to receive £2,500 from a local charity trust for the proposed play zone.

And the residents say it cannot come soon enough.

Association chairman Tom Goodson said: "We have around 36 kids on the streets and roughly 50 houses. The nearest play area is Bold Venture Park and this is clearly too far for the children.

"Most are aged between five and ten and at the moment play on the street. When a football goes down the slope at the bottom of Springfield Street they run on to the A666 chasing after it, and that's so dangerous.

"We've been looking to do this for some time and finally it looks like we're getting it off the ground."

The association also received £5,000 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest of Blackburn with Darwen Council through the European Social Fund.

Tom said: "The £5,000 was purely for work on the site and the £2,500 can hopefully be used on equipment. We are looking at building a miniature football and netball pitch as well as building a 7ft fence around it. The aim is to give the kids something to do and keep them safe."

Trustee John Jacklin, of WM and BW Lloyd Charity Trust, said the association had gone out of its way to set up the new play area.

He said: "The trust exists for the benefit of those who live within and are educated within the old borough of Darwen. Anybody who lives within the area can benefit.

Set up in March, 1974, the trust has handed out £1 million in grants.

John continued: "We give to small projects similar to that of the play area and it is important for their children to have somewhere to play.

"We feel the residents have made a tremendous effort to raise money and the trust helps those who help themselves."

Both Darwen MP Janet Anderson and Coun Dave Hollings have backed the scheme.

Mrs Anderson said: "It's fantastic news that the residents have been able to get this money and it's so very important for the children to have a safe place where they can play out."

Coun Hollings, an honorary member of the association, said: "It's great news. Having something at the end of the street will definitely put parents' minds at rest. Being a parent myself, I feel it's paramount to keep your children close."

The association's next step will be to apply for planning permission from Northern Counties Housing Association.