SPRING has brought the best out of a spruced-up park which more people can enjoy.

New fencing, walls and gates leading to the bowling green and a new path and flowering shrubs and bulbs have added to the attraction which has made Bedford Park at Leigh a favourite with locals since it opened in 1927.

The park, centred around the Sanderson's Croft bowling green, has benefited from a £29,000 first stage of a larger improvement plan devised by the Parks Service of Wigan Council, police and bowlers. Boosted by a £10,000 slice of the Brighter Borough fund the initial work will be followed by a play area upgrade once sewer work is complete.

Cllr John Lea said: "Bedford is a smashing little park which local people strongly support and have used since 1927.

"The ward councillors were happy to help with cash to start the improvement programme. We're also making sure that investment is made in the play area.

"There is still more to do but with local people involved we'll make sure the park is thriving for generations to come."