THE parishes of Eldroth, Lawkland and Austwick have secured funding to re-introduce a lengthsman to keep the area tidy and in good repair.

Lengthsmen were common at one time in villages throughout the country. They cut the roadside verges, ensured drains were kept clear, cleared up fallen leaves and debris and kept the roads and streets free of litter.

This week Eldroth Parish Meeting discussed plans to fund a lengthsman using money from the Forest of Bowland AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), a partnership between local authorities, government agencies, landowners, wildlife and recreation groups and voluntary organisations. Craven District Council also contributes to the scheme.

Parish Meeting chairman Tommy Metcalfe said having a lengthsman back would be good for the area. "The old lengthsman we had used to look after the parish. When there was flooding in the roads he would cycle to places he knew would be a problem and clear out drains. That doesn't get done these days," he said.