IMAGINATIVE designs have transformed rundown Runcorn woods.

Community art on the theme of woodland fairies, willow weaved structures, pebble floor designs and bird boxes has given new life to Cotton Lane in Halton Lodge.

Artist Bernadette Hughes has been working with schoolchildren, residents and older people from Croftwood care home to create artwork in the woods behind the Croft pub.

Housing association Riverside contributed £5,000 towards the project as part of extensive environmental improvements to the area.

This is the final step in a big makeover since the social landlord took ownership of properties there in 2015.

Other improvements included cutting back overgrown areas of the woods, removing fly tipping, repairing pathways, installing new fencing and providing more litter bins.

Laura Woodward, community engagement officer for Riverside in Halton, said “Our tenants told us the areas that are of most concern to them and we’ve set about a programme of improvement works as a result.

“The artwork is the final piece of the jigsaw to make this community a better place to live.

“When people get involved in improving their own neighbourhoods they are far more likely to have pride in them and keep them tidy and litter free.”