CONGLETON Park supporter Margaret Williamson is to roll up her sleeves next Monday to start work on a £1.3 million project.

After years of planning the major revamp and refurbishment of the town's park is finally due to begin next week.

The project was made possible by a £1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, along with support from local bodies.

Mrs Williamson is a Congleton town councillor, and was invited to cut the first sod to start the work in recognition of her efforts to promote the revamp scheme.

"It's a real pleasure to be able to dig the first spadeful to kick off this project, which has been six or seven years in the making," said Mrs Williamson.

"A lot of people have worked very hard to bring the project to this stage, and it is really exciting now that it is finally under way."

The programme of works include alterations and extensions to the Jubilee pavilion costing £240,000, and the restoration of the Town Wood at a cost of £186,000.

Some £51,000 is to be spent on reorganising the ornamental gardens, providing a new play area will cost £83,000, and creating car parking will cost £49,000.

The work starts with the installation of columns for a CCTV system costing £83,000.

Conservation and design manager Harry Hopkinson said the cameras were essential to improve personal safety in the park and to reduce vandalism.

Congleton Borough Council hopes to complete work on the park revamp by next summer.