Great Harwood park to undergo six-figure refurbishment

Milton Close park is to undergo a six-figure refurbishment, as some of the play equipment at the site is around 30-years-old and in need of replacement.

The council has also launched an appeal to help with the design for the improved play area

A slide at Milton Close park in Great Harwood (Image: Hyndburn Council)

Some of the play equipment at Milton Close is around 30-years-old and in need of replacement

Hyndburn Council has allocated £60,000 from its capital budget for 2023/24 towards the project, with further outside funding sought for its construction.

It is hoped that £100,000 in external funding can be secured to fund the playground construction phase.

The equipment at the site has been well used down the years, particularly by young people in the south of the town.

Play opportunities have been limited somewhat since a set of swings had to be removed during the pandemic.

The council has also launched an appeal to help with the design for the improved play area.

It is keen to improve the play area in a way that specifically reflects the needs and expectations of the local families who will use the space once the project is completed.

To include local people in the process, a community consultation is being carried out to ensure that local families get the opportunity to have their say about what equipment and play area designs they would like to see.

Consultation has already kicked off with the involvement from St Wulstan’s Roman Catholic Primary School and Great Harwood Primary School, inviting the very school children who this newly revamped play area is aimed at to have their say about what they would like to see in the final product.

These survey responses are important, not just for the design process, but also for helping the Council to secure funding from outside of Hyndburn.

The survey will be live until the closing date of the May 22.  

Cllr Steven Smithson, Portfolio Holder for Parks, said: “We are delighted to be able to allocate this funding from the capital budget to get the ball rolling on the scheme.

"Milton Close is one of four well-used recreational play areas in Great Harwood, but we have been made aware that some of the equipment is no longer fit for purpose and is in need of replacement. We are really keen to work with the local community on these new play facilities to get ideas and feedback on the new designs.”

Cllr Carole Haythornthwaite, Lancashire County Councillor, said: “Ward councillors were approached with a request for new play equipment for Milton Close, particularly since the swings were removed having reached the end of their serviceable lifespan. We are delighted to be able to allocate this funding from the capital budget to get the ball rolling on the scheme.

"Our recreational areas and award-winning parks across the Borough are a key part of the Council’s commitment to improving wellbeing amongst our younger residents.”

To take part in the survey and have your say, head to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6288SPP