THORNTON Lodge residents got together to tidy-up overgrown grassland near their homes.
Up to 30 members of Springdale Street were out in force at the only green space on their busy road.
And they hope to retain the site as a green space, despite plans for housing.
Eager helpers cleared litter, cut grass, built steps and enjoyed a community lunch.
Resident Rauf Mohammed and members of the community filled one skip full of waste from the grassed area.
They were joined by Lockwood Imam Qari M Abbas who was supporting the project.
There are plans to build five houses on the land, but in the meantime residents want to use it for children to play or for elderly people to sit out.
Tory prospective parliamentary candidate for the Colne Valley Jason McCartney, who joined the clean-up, said: “I was delighted to help Rauf and his neighbours tidy up this green space on Springdale Street.
“I really hope we can stop the planned building of five houses on a very rare bit of inner town green space.
“We had about 30 people helping us clear the waste away and it was great to see the community come out and work together.
“There was a great community spirit and all the residents said they want to keep the bit of green space in the area.
“Hopefully the children and community will be able to enjoy the area now.”
The land has planning permission for five houses but has been vacant for many decades.
Many of the older residents remember playing there as children and they want to preserve it for future generations.
The grassy area has a number of mature trees including a 15-year-old oak tree.
Residents now hope to get support from local councillors and transform the area into a community space.
