BURNLEY Council has unveiled a new play area in Scott Park after the ceremony was put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The play area had been originally due to open in April and now, with many of the lockdown restrictions that had prevented this lifted, families can finally try out the new equipment.

The area was opened by Burnley Council executive member for housing and leisure Councillor Ivor Emo and Friends of Scott Park chair Val Crabtree as part of the council’s £60,000 play area improvement programme, which has been carrying out improvements throughout the borough.

Councillor Emo said: "I’m delighted to be able to open this play area and pleased that it has been designed as an inclusive play area that is suitable for children of all abilities including wheelchair users.

"I'm also very pleased that the council has been able to re-open all 55 of the borough's play areas.”

However, Councillor Emo was also keen to remind park goers that several of the pandemic health and safety measures will remain in place.

Parents and children are reminded to maintain social distancing, to return to the play area later if it is too busy, to use hand sanitiser when leaving and to avoid touching their faces.

According to Burnley Council, the park’s popular helicopter climbing frame is currently being refurbished by a local engineering firm and will return to Scott Park in the autumn.