A PLAN to celebrate Hapton's 'electrifying history' will brighten the village and could win a prestigious Grimewatch award.

Residents are currently preparing a wall of the former Simpson Bros factory in Simpson Street for a mural depicting Victorian life in the village. The first electric streetlights were created. at the factory and Hapton was the first place in England to benefit from the invention.

Painted by Hapton-based scenic artist Steven Butterfield, the mural is one of several environmental improvements which make up the village's entry into the Grimewatch awards.

An alpine garden has been created outside the chalet-style public toilets, and work is ongoing to keep the grass verges in tip-top condition.

Jo Garrigan, clerk to Hapton Parish Council, said the local authority had begun many schemes but the community was now involved.

The Grimewatch awards, run by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in conjunction with the Tidy Britain Group, British Aerospace, Groundwork and the Environment Agency, honour projects which make East Lancs cleaner and greener.

If you have a project which deserves recognition, contact Grimewatch co-ordinator Lynn Schofield for more details.

She can be reached by phone on 01254 678678 ext 244, fax on 01254 680429, e-mail grimewatch@aol.com.

There are categories for authorities, businesses, schools, individuals and groups.

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