Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY

WE say that we are good conservationists today and the Victorians were not. We should be careful not to pat ourselves on the back too hard or too often.

There is a move afoot by politicians these days to bring our towns into the countryside by developing "green corridors." If we are not careful all we will be doing is using up more and more green spaces.

While we are doing this we are allowing our town parks, most of which originated before the 1920s, to fall into decay. Why can't more national government money, European grants and even lottery funding be channelled into the improvements needed for our town parks? This week I explored a neglected gem -- Alkincoats Park at Colne.

In the 12th century John de Lacy granted 20 areas of land to the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem in an area then called Alcancotes. In 1311 Alan de Alcancotes was in residence and by 1349, in the reign of Edward III, a large estate was owned by John de Parker de Alcancotes. The Parkers were influential in the North West and there are still Parkers in residence at Browsholme.

There were Parkers at Alkincoats (the modern name) into the 19th century. The other day I cam across a photograph, taken in 1905, of Alkincoats Manor, which was built in the 17th century.

During my circular stroll through the park I traced the rest of its history and this was so interesting that even the heavy rain did not dampen my spirit. It was also pleasing to see a "Dogs Welcome" sign on the gate. In 1921 the estate was purchased and became Colne's first municipal park. There are still welcoming ranger and the Friends of the Park do a sterling job (telephone 01282 661600).

During World War II the old hall was used as a convalescent home but it was sadly demolished in 1957 when conservation was not high on the agenda, as is the case today.

I still found lots of nostalgia during my stroll, especially the remains of the old bandstand and beyond this the old walled garden of the Parkers. This once provided vegetables for the estate, but later in the year the rose garden will be a joy.

I find all of our local parks very interesting. It won't be long before I stroll through another. Has any reader got a suggestion?

Getting there: On a dull wet morning I followed the M65 and turned off at Junction 13. I then passed through Barrowford and turned right towards Colne. A left turn along this road leads to Alkincotes park.