Beauty hotspot in line for 'fantastic' new attraction

A new woodland adventure course for young people will be built next to a town's popular beauty spot after the project was backed by planners.

The proposals by Rochdale Borough Council for Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough will see an elevated climbing frame with nets built on a vacant lot by Pavilion cafe.

It is the latest in a series of new features at the country park, including an RSPCA centre, sensory garden and eatery.

Rochdale councillor Sue Smith said the new visitor attraction would be a "fantastic asset" that would "cement this area's status as a truly noteworthy visitor attraction".

Hollingworth Lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the South Pennines and has long developed as tourist hotspot.

The council's new feature is aimed at children six years old and upwards, with nets enclosing a course suspended 2m (6.5ft) in the air.

The intention was to combine the adventure area with the outdoor education and forest skills learning within the country park, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ms Smith said Hollingworth Lake was drawing "thousands of locals and tourists every year", and the new play area would "improve this spectacular area".

"It will provide a brand new adventure experience for children aged 2 – 16, and enable them to interact with nature in a unique and exhilarating way," she said.

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