Hyndburn Council has been allocated up to £270,000 in additional funding from the Government’s £18 million Playgrounds Fund, aimed at improving play areas for local communities.

This allocation is in addition to £250,000 Pride In Place Impact funding already committed within the Council’s 2026/27 budget for improvements to play areas, with sites in Rishton and Accrington identified.

he latest funding builds on the Council’s ongoing programme of investment in parks and open spaces. Recent and current projects include completed improvements at Rhyddings Park in Oswaldtwistle, works underway at Knuzden Play Area, and planned upgrades at Gatty Park in Accrington to commence imminently.

The additional funding will enable the Council to expand the scope of these improvements, with a focus on enhancing accessibility, safety and the overall quality of play facilities for residents.

Councillor Stewart Eaves, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said:

“This additional funding is fantastic news for our borough. It will enable us to carry out more play improvements across the borough, encouraging local families to go out and enjoy of our much-loved green spaces here in Hyndburn.

Funding like this is key for increasing access to play spaces and enhancing the experience of residents in the surrounding areas.”

Over the coming weeks, Councillors and Council officers will work together to identify priority sites and develop proposals for how the funding will be allocated. These proposals will then be submitted to the Government as part of the next stage of the programme.

The Council remains committed to maintaining and improving its network of play areas, ensuring that they continue to meet the needs of residents and provide safe, inclusive spaces for children and families across Hyndburn.