RESIDENTS fighting for the future of a much-loved play park have gathered together to revitalise the area.

Dalton's Storey Square park has lain empty since last month, when the play equipment was taken away by contractors as part of budget cuts by Barrow Borough Council.

But supporters have rallied to reinstate the park, which they see as a vital part of the community and one of the only safe places for children in the town.

The initial anger at the park being dismantled has been channelled into action, with a residents group formed after a public meeting for the park working to secure grant funding for new playground equipment.

The group has met with Haverthwaite playground designer Playdale to discuss plans for the park.

One of the members of the seven-strong committee for the group, Jenny Laverty, said: "We would like to invite the local children to give their ideas on what play equipment they would like to see on the park.

"This will be used in our portfolios when applying for funding."

"Now it is up to the group to go forward themselves and I wish them well."

The group are working with Cumbria CVS, which helps community causes to raise cash through grants.

A spokeswoman from Playdale said: "We are very keen to listen to the needs of the local community and we will work with the residents to listen to them and produce a plan for the park."

One option to restore the park was for Dalton Town Council to pay the maintenance and insurance instead of Barrow Borough Council. But councillors said buying new play equipment would be too expensive.

Councillors have stepped back from the process to allow residents to

Shaun Blezard, who represents Dalton on the borough council previously said: "It was our job to listen to the concerns of residents and be held accountable for our actions.