WORK will start this winter on the restoration of Warrington’s historic Bank Park – and will be strongly influenced by the views of people who responded to a public consultation exercise held in the autumn.
A total of 272 people submitted ideas, comments, concerns and suggestions – and the borough council is hoping many of them will join a “Friends” group which would help determine the park’s long term future.
There was general agreement that the original layout of paths near Sankey Street should be restored, making the park more open and appealing and this work will be the first to be tackled, as it will have less impact on wildlife during the winter months.
Residents were also strongly in support on replacing any trees and hedges will would have to be removed.
Proposals to build a new pavilion received wide support and the council plans to incorporate the views of the majority who believed it should be of a traditional style, in keeping with the Town Hall, and also vandal proof as far as possible.
There were differences of opinion over the park’s bowling greens, but 71 per cent of people favoured the construction of two artificial greens which would be available throughout the year.
Artificial greens also won the support of local bowling leagues.
The council is to investigate this, in close co-operation with the leagues. They stress that grass greens will remain available at Victoria Park and St Elphin’s Park.
Security and safety were major concerns so proposals for lighting and fencing the greens were supported.
Plans to improve the playground at the park were also welcomed by the community.
Seventy five per cent of people thought that the playground should provide facilities for children of all ages and 97 per cent liked sample pictures provided by the council.
A number of people said the play area should be dog free.
dog free.
Parking was a major issue, with many people stating it should be available for all park users rather than just bowlers.
The council says ideas for parking need to be considered in more detail although it is available next to the Town Hall, in Sankey Street and, hopefully, will soon be available at Garven Place.
Cllr Kate Hannon (pictured), the council lead member for leisure, community and culture, said: ‘We would like to thank everyone who took the time to give us their thoughts about Bank Park. We hope this is the start of a new chapter for the park, reinstating its place as a cherished space in our town. We are very keen to establish a ‘Friends of Bank Park’ group, similar to successful groups that already operate in other areas of Warrington.
“Friends groups help to determine the direction that we take in a park, often carrying out some activities themselves to support the maintenance of the area, such as litter picking, planting and making us aware of any damage or repairs needed.”
Anyone interested in joining or even leading such a group, should contact Rachel Waggett on 01925 442630 or email [email protected]
