THE long awaited Euxton Millennium Green has been given the go-ahead.

The huge three-hectare site, next to Euxton Hall Gardens and the adjacent Euxton Hall Hospital, off Wigan Lane, near Chorley, will be improved with better access for locals.

Plans for the site include the planting of native species of trees, bulb planting and the creation of a wet land and wild flower meadow.

Former Euxton Parish councillor, Margaret Bibby, who has backed previous attempts to improve the site, says she is delighted that the plan has been given the green light.

Mrs Bibby, of Dunrobin Drive, Euxton, said: "It will be ideal for the area. Although it's been an open field, people have felt that they didn't have access to it.

"I think if it opens the area up to the public it will certainly benefit local people." Mrs Bibby believes that improved access to the site will provide hospital patients and their visitors with somewhere pleasant to walk while, at the same time, give local people the chance to enjoy a variety of wildlife. Also, although there are no plans for a specific children's play area, she is confident that the proposed site will provide a safe environment for youngsters to learn about wildlife, adding: "there are many children's play areas not far from here."

Local resident Kath Owen, of Fieldside Avenue, Euxton, who has two grown-up children, agreed that the new open site will be an ideal place for parents to take their children.

She said: "There is so much traffic in Euxton and it's not really very pleasant sitting next to the exhaust fumes.

"It will be lovely for people to have a tranquil spot away from traffic. People I know think it's a lovely idea."

Coun Peter Goldsworthy, member of Chorley Borough Council's development control committee, said: "This millennium project provides much needed recreational space for the people of Euxton that will be enjoyed by all for many years.

"I wish to ensure that recreational facilities are increased and form part of any future development plans." DELIGHTED: Margaret Bibby is thrilled with the planned improvements