WORK to revitalise Bank Park is set to start soon with new paths, bowling greens and a pavilion set to be built.

Council bosses said this week 272 people took part in a consultation over the scheme which they launched in autumn.

They want to see the park, which surrounds the Town Hall, restored to its former glories and become ‘the jewel in the crown’ of the town centre.

Those who took part:

  • Agreed to restore the original path layout to make it more appealing l Supported plans for a new pavilion but said the design should be more inkeeping with the Town Hall and vandal proof. Council bosses have suggested it could provide a cafe.
  •  And backed the installation of two artificial bowling greens. Seventy one percent of people said that they would prefer two artificial greens, 27 per cent wanted an artificial and a grass green and two per cent wished to retain both grass greens.
  •  While 97 per cent supported a new children’s play area, with some asking for it to be made dog free.

Clr Kate Hannon, executive board member for leisure, community and culture, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took the time to give us their thoughts about Bank Park.

“We hope that this is the start of a new chapter for the park, reinstating its place as a cherished space in our town.

“We are very keen to establish a ‘Friends of Bank Park’ group, similar to successful groups that already operate in other areas of Warrington.

“Friends groups help to determine the direction that we take in a park, often carrying out some activities themselves to support the maintenance of the area, such as litter picking, planting and making us aware of any damage or repairs needed.“ Work to reinstate the historic path layout will start this winter.

Meanwhile council officials hope to have planning applications available for the new pavilion and bowling greens including lighting and fencing as well as landscaping and new planting by the spring.

Anyone interested in joining or leading a group should call Rachel Waggett on 442630 or e-mail rwaggett@warrington.gov.uk.

MEMBERS of Warrington’s bowling community say they support plans for artificial greens on Bank Park.

The leagues in Warrington met as part of the consultation and agreed that artificial surfaces were cheaper to maintain and could be used all year round.

They also said the current greens are so unplayable that it could take years to return to a good standard.

It also means Bank Park will be the first venue in the world with two artificial crown green bowling greens.

Neil Dolan, committee member at WNCBA, said: “The council has welcomed the opinions and advice from the bowling community in Warrington.

“It is important to note that it has not just been one person’s opinion or one leagues opinion but all the leagues in Warrington have had their say in this.”

Grass greens remain at Victoria Park and Orford Park.