£1m plan to boost park facilities in Wickford (From Echo)

£1m plan to boost park facilities in Wickford

7:40am Friday 22nd February 2013 in Local News

A PARK could be set for a £1million cash boost as part of a range of improvements.

The Wickford Memorial Park in Rettendon View, Wickford - which was created in 1949 - has already benefitted from some £200,000 in funding, including a new £130,000 toilet block and £70,000 on creating a “heroes’ arboretum”, to honour servicemen who gave their lives for their country.

Basildon Council has now put forward plans to revamp the park even further by refurbishing the park’s pavilion and park offices as well as improving access to its river and woodland.

The Tory-run authority has applied for over £1million in lottery funding and from the Veolia Pitsea Marshes Trust (VPMT) to help pay for the improvements.

Tony Ball, a Wickford ward councillor and leader of the council, said: “This is an ambitious project, but through the funding and the support of local residents is one which is feasible.

“The nature of the park and its history and heritage has allowed us the opportunity to apply for funding from VPMT and lottery funding, and, should we be successful, will enable us in partnership with local interest groups to meet our ambitions and create a real jewel in the crown for the borough."