Lottery boost for historic estate

South Hill Park lies to the south of Bracknell town centre

The grounds of an historic park housing a mansion dating back to the 18th century are to get a £57,000 revamp.

South Hill Park, which lies to the south of Bracknell, Berkshire, in the Birch Hill estate, is home to an arts centre, large park areas and two lakes.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the borough council £42,200 for conserving and improving the landscape.

The local authority will put an additional £15,000 towards improving it as a tourist attraction.

Councillor Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell's leisure services, said: "The grant will allow us to prepare a solid plan for South Hill Park and explore its potential and what the public want from the site.

"This, in turn, will help us create a site that residents can be proud of and visitors from outside the borough will be impressed by."