Alkincoats Park in Colne is now being managed by Colne Town Council as part of a series of transfers by Pendle Council to local town and parish councils, to help sustain Pendle’s parks despite financial challenges. This follows the transfer of Victory Park, Letcliffe Park and Valley Gardens to Barnoldswick Town Council two years ago.

And Pendle Council expects to complete the transfer of Barrowford Memorial Park and Pendle Heritage Centre to Barrowford Parish Council within the next few days.

Trawden Forest Parish Council has also now agreed to take the transfer of Ball Grove Park in the coming months. Leader of the Council, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, said: “Over the next three years Pendle Council needs to save around £3 million – and it’s a tough task! “We will continue to work with other town and parish councils by asking them to take on the ownership of other parks and green spaces.

“I would like to congratulate town and parish councils who are helping us deal with the cuts,” he added. “We will be holding discussions with Nelson Town Council about the possible transfer of Marsden, Walverden and Victoria parks in Nelson. “And also with Brierfield Town Council about Heyhead park, and Earby Town Council and Kelbrook and Sough Parish Council about Sough Park,” he explained.

Dean Langton, Pendle Council’s Chief Executive said: “We’re still in a very challenging financial position so it’s important we continually identify ways we can save money and raise income. “We are taking steps to deal with our budget deficit and transferring parks and some of our facilities and services to be run at an even more local level is an essential part of our strategy,” he stated.

For the full report on Transfer of Services and Facilities to Town and Parish Council see Agenda item 11 on the 16 January Policy and Resources meeting on www.pendle.gov.uk/council