CHILDREN in the Bradley area of Nelson will have somewhere to play now after the opening of a new play area that they helped design.

Plans for the play area on Fleet Street, which was opened this week, came after concerns from the Bradley Residents’ Association over a shortage of play equipment in the area.

Funded by Lancashire Environment Fund (LEF), Lancashire County Council, Nelson Town Council and Pendle Council, it includes a mixture of natural play with mounds and boulders, as well as more traditional play equipment such as swings and a climbing frame.

Coun Mohammed Iqbal, a Bradley ward councillor, said the play area had been welcomed by the community.

“The Bradley Residents’ Association felt there wasn’t enough play provision for small children in Bradley,” he said “This new facility has been really welcomed by them and will benefit residents for years to come.”

It was designed by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire, who worked in partnership with Lancashire County Council and Pendle Council to secure LEF funding.

Children from Bradley Primary School suggested what should be included in the play area, along with members of the Bradley Residents’ Association.

Coun Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council, said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in securing funding for this much needed facility.

“This is a fantastic example of working with our residents to find out what they want and meeting their needs as much as we can.”