WORK on the £2.2 million transformation of Warrington’s Bank Park has got under way.
First step was the removal of the holly hedge that cuts across the park along with a number of trees, which will allow the reinstatement of the path layout as set out when the park was originally created more than 150 years ago.
Works are being undertaken at the present time in order to minimise disruption to wildlife. 
The Bank Park public consultation exercise held in the autumn received an enthusiastic response and there was general agreement to restoration of the original path layout, which people thought would make the park more open and appealing.
A number of comments were made regarding the need to replace the trees and hedges that have to be removed and this will be undertaken later on in the refurbishment programme.
The borough council intend to replace the bowling greens with floodlit, all-weather greens, refurbish the toilet block, create new playground facilities that are inclusive of older children and, subject to further consultation, build a new pavilion.
The funding for the works will come from the council’s capital programme and so will not affect the delivery of front line services.
Cllr Kate Hannon, lead member for leisure, community and culture, said:
“This is an historic day. This is the first step in transforming our much treasured Bank Park.
“It will initially look strange with the hedge removed but this will open up the park and it is necessary to do this work now for ecological reasons. Work will start on creating the new pathways early in the coming weeks.
“We are looking forward to sharing revised plans for the park with the public soon, particularly those for the pavilion, having incorporated the valuable feedback that we received in the consultation exercise held last year into the new designs.
“Like all of the parks in the borough, Bank Park belongs to the people of Warrington and the council is enjoying working with residents and businesses in reinventing its future as a vibrant town ‘front garden”.
Pictured: The Mayor, Cllr Peter Carey, and Cllr Kate Hannon, with the parks team at Bank Park.
Work starts on £2m park transformation
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
