ST HELENS Council is putting together a £1 million bid for National Lottery money to restore Taylor Park to its former glory.

Plans include new cafe facilities, a sun terrace, a larger variety of water-based sports on the boating lake and an urban outdoor education centre. There are also plans to turn former derelict sections of the park, including the outdoor paddling pool, into a new multi-use sports facility.

It's hoped that if the bid gets the go-ahead a dedicated landscape team will be able to completely revamp the park with new play areas and hopefully make all areas of the park available for community use.

As part of the bid the council is carrying out a major consultation exercise to find out the views of residents. The plans will be on display at the Boathouse in Taylor Park on the following days: Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8 (11am to 4pm); Monday to Friday, September 9 to 13 (12 to 2pm); Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15 (11am to 4pm).

The open days will give all interested groups the opportunity to view the plans and comment on the proposals. Parks and landscape management staff will be on hand to answer questions and receive comments.

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