Funding bid success for Memorial Park!
£248,650 has been allocated to Memorial Park after a successful bid to National Lottery Heritage Fund.
In 2021 the outcome of a consultation with the local community showed that residents would like to see lots of improvements to Memorial Park including: refurbishment of park facilities, sustainable horticulture and footpath improvements.
In addition to the refurbishment work there was a desire to have more activities in the park to encourage participation and encourage more people to use the space.
[image: Cllr Smithson & Cllr Haythornthwaite at Memorial Park]
Cllr Steven Smithson, Portfolio holder for Parks, said:
“I am very pleased that following this consultation work, a bid was placed with National Lottery Heritage Fund and we have been successful in securing £248,650 for the delivery stage of the project. Including funding from landfill council tax from Lancashire Environment Fund, Hyndburn Council contribution and gift in-kind work the total project value amounts to £338,650. This is fantastic news for the local area and for the whole of Hyndburn. Investing in our green spaces across the borough will continue to be a priority and I am looking forward to seeing the work completed.”
Hyndburn Borough Council have been working with Proffitts CIC for several years to secure this funding and the community organisation will be managing the project going forward.
Cllr Carole Haythornthwaite, County Councillor and local resident, said:
“This fantastic news would not be possible without the work of groups such as Proffitts CIC and also the Friends of Memorial Park group who help to maintain the space, push for investment and encourage the community to get involved through events. Thank you to everyone involved in making this bid successful.”
Martin Proffitt, Director at Proffitts CIC, said:
‘’The funding boost means a huge amount to the people in Great Harwood, and we’re thrilled that we can move on to delivering the project that we have spent so long planning. The 100 year old memorial park is much loved, and the improvements and activities planned will ensure that the park remains a key part of the community long in to the future.’’
The funding secured for this project will allow for:
Replacement of damaged boundary railings
Repairs to the war memorial and memorial grounds
Repairing stone tree pits
Tree management work
Upgrading paths and installing boardwalks in the woodland
Installing bins/seating
Installation of bird box camera
A programme of activities and engagement with the local community