Campaigners toast £1m park go-ahead

BUBBLING over . . . friends of Dunwood Park celebrate their lottery windfall at the beauty spot with, front from left with the champagne, Phelyp Bennett, chairman Michael McGrother and vice-chairman Ron Siddall

Champagne was flowing as supporters of Dunwood Park celebrated a £1 million lottery grant to give the beauty spot a makeover.

Oldham Council has been awarded £1,093,000 following a successful Parks for People bid to transform the Shaw park.

The Heritage Lottery Fund cash has also been supported by £270,000 from Oldham Council’s capital programme.

It follows years of hard work by the Friends of Dunwood Park group and its backers to secure the investment — but the group is not resting on its laurels and is now planning to make full use of the money.

Chairman Michael McGrother said the group was delighted their efforts have borne fruit and thanked all those who helped.

He added: “It is fashionable to sneer at the efforts of local councils but I will place on record the consistent and constant support and encouragement which we have received throughout this process from politicians of every hue.

“This support has been translated into a huge effort on the part of the Parks service in managing and developing the bid to the Big Lottery.

“The true measure of our success will not be in the provision of new and better facilities but rather in the development of the park as a living community.

“Our role must now be to help breathe life into the community of the park. We look forward to the time when everyone who has contributed to this success will be able to enjoy the improved environment and facilities which this renovation will provide.”

Created in 1912 to give the local community and mill workers access to a healthy environment and green space, the park is in need of a full restoration as it approaches its centenary.

The money will be spent on extensively rebuilding facilities while retaining the character and familiar features of the original. Existing attractions, such as the bowling green, pavilion, play area, tennis courts, parking areas, gardens and woodland walks will be kept and refurbished.

New features, including a community meeting room, extra toilets and adventure play facilities will be added. There will also be opportunities for education and training.