A GROUP has been celebrating after securing cash to carry out a study on how best to secure the future of a local beauty spot.

The Horden Steering Group was formed four years ago by Belmont residents Julian Smith and Damian Appleby, along with local councillor Jean Rigby.

It has been working to secure the future of the Wards Reservoir, known locally as the Blue Lagoon.

The group has managed to secure cash for an appraisal of the beauty spot, which in recent years has suffered some decline.

Cllr Rigby said: “The public footpaths of the Blue Lagoon are well-used by the local community, despite their recent disrepair. The steering group has flagged this up with Blackburn With Darwen Council and we now have officers looking at a repair package.”

Pictured are, from left, Damian Appleby, Cllr Jean Rigby and Julian Smith.