Campaigners want park protected

ANGRY campaigners are stepping up a campaign to improve Warrington’s Peel Hall Park.
The Friends of Peel Hall Park are vigorously opposed to proposals to build houses in the area and want the land designated as a Queen Elizabeth II Field as part of the legacy for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee…
Campaigner Cllr Bob Haskew-Jones said: “We are presenting a petition to Warrington Council because we want the park protected so that our children and grandchildren will have access to all kinds of spaces including woodlands, play areas, bicycle trails and sports pitches.
“We are calling for the park to be designated as a ‘Queen Elizabeth II Field’ as getting this status would help us gain access to funding to improve the park.”
Nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition and children at nearby St Bridget’s School have been involved.
A number of them have also written letters of support. The children and the Friends’ group have worked together on a number of activities like basket making using materials from the park and bulb planting.
Said Cllr Haskew-Jones: “This is great because it means our young people have ownership of the park too.”
The Friends Group has raised funds for play area totalling £112,000 which has been signed over to the borough council, as the park is its responsibility.
The Friends’ next project is a memorial garden, and they have already raised £2,000 for this.
“We’re now looking for volunteers with expertise to help with the design and costing of this project. Donations of materials would be extremely welcome. We are determined to improve the park for today’s children and safeguard it for tomorrow’s children,” said Cllr Haskew-Jones.
Picture: Cllr Bob Haskew-Jones with the head teacher and children from St Bridget’s School presenting the petition and children’s letters to council leader Cllr Terry O’Neill.