Have your say on new proposals for Burrs Country Park

Residents are being asked for their views on ambitious plans to modernise facilities at Burrs Country Park.

The council has drawn up a 15-year strategy for the park, which is a highly popular Green Flag-winning attraction for locals and visitors from far afield.

The aim is to establish Burrs as a ‘destination park’ which is regionally significant and complements the town’s growing list of tourist attractions.

Some of the most significant proposals in Phase 1 include the construction of a railway halt on the East Lancashire Railway and an extension to the Caravan Club site, plus a new visitor centre and an increased range of events such as this May’s Lost Carnival family theatre festival.

The proposals have now gone out for public consultation, which lasts until 9 April. Comments are invited from residents and community and volunteer groups, businesses, partner agencies and others. All comments will be considered and changes made where appropriate before the strategy is finalised.

The draft strategy can be viewed or downloaded at http://www.bury.gov.uk/4962

Hard copies are also available for inspection at the Planning Division reception (Ground Floor, 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street, Bury) between 8.45am and 4pm (Monday-Friday), Bury Town Hall from 8.45am to 5pm (Monday-Friday) and at Bury, Brandlesholme and Moorside public libraries during their normal opening hours.

Details of how to respond can be found at the web link and at the venues above.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “Burrs has been transformed over the years into a popular attraction, and we want to keep up the momentum with these ambitious proposals. Burrs is the borough’s flagship park but it needs to be refreshed and modernised to realise its full potential.

“Leisure and tourism is very important to Bury these days; for instance, the Caravan Club at Burrs recorded 45,000 visitor nights in 2014 and contributes an estimated £5 million to the local economy annually.

“We have a wide range of attractions both for local people and the many who we welcome from across the country, and these proposals help to link up these attractions and maintain Bury as a great place to visit. I urge everyone to look at the plans and give us their views.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 March 2015.