​Parks to get initial £1.1 million upgrade

The first stage of a three-year programme to upgrade Bury’s Green Flag winning parks is set to be approved by councillors.

The aim is to ensure the borough continues to have safe and sustainable open spaces and recreational areas which will also promote exercise and boost people’s health, both physical and mental.

All of the borough’s parks have been inspected and the first phase will be to refurbish three parks in East Bury which were considered to be most in need of investment – Manchester Road Park, Hoyles Park and Openshaw Park. Future years’ improvement are subject to funding.

In addition, most parks will benefit: work will include improvements to paths, structures, fencing, access, drainage, bins, play areas, ball zones, access and landscaping. There will also be a contribution to enhancements to car parking at Burrs Country Park and support for a scheme led by the Friends of Nuttall Park, plus work at St Mary’s, Whitefield and Close parks.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: ““What the Covid pandemic has shown us all is that people need their parks more than ever. Bury is proud that its 12 main parks have won Green Flag awards for more than a decade.

“Our parks and open spaces are quality environments which support people to lead more active lifestyles, which is especially important in deprived areas where people have poor air quality and less access to green space.

“We also want to provide local access to high quality outdoor sport and recreation. Subject to available funding, this includes sustainable tennis courts, 3G all-weather pitches and better grass sports pitches, improved athletics provision, outdoor gyms, and improvements to our play areas and country parks. Working with City of Trees, since 2016 we have planted more than 10,000 trees and over the next two years we will plant over 20,000 more.

“This investment will contribute towards the new Bury Moving Strategy. Creating the conditions and the safe infrastructures for more people to walk and cycle will contribute to less congestion and air pollution.”

Cllr Quinn added: “Bury is committed to becoming carbon neutral and making our borough clean and green, which is a crucial part of our Bury 2030 strategy to keep the borough a great place in which to live, work and relax.”

The report will be considered by members of the council’s cabinet at its meeting next Wednesday (16 Dec).

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 December 2020.