Park campaign sets £2.63m target

Campaigners aiming to restore Wisbech Park need help

Campaigners aiming to raise £2.63m to restore a town park want to enlist the help of residents to find pictures of its hey-day 100 years ago.

Fenland District Council hope to trace old photographs, posters and newspaper cuttings of Wisbech Park.

The campaign wants to raise money for a restoration from the National Lottery and a submission is being compiled.

Bob Ollier, council parks manager, said he wants to use memorabilia from the past 100 years in the submission.

Future generations

Key improvements to the park would be a new pavilion and cafe, refurbishment of the memorial to 19th Century ship owner and MP Richard Young and a new look for the bandstand.

Sports facilities would also be improved with the introduction of a multi-use games area on the present tennis courts site and refurbishments to the bowling green.

CCTV cameras would be installed to improve security and a new children's area would be built.

Mr Ollier said: "It is hoped the old photographs and memorabilia would enable the council and the Wisbech Park Friends Group to draw up a detailed impression of how the area looked when it was first laid out.

"We also want to collate an archive of historical and heritage information for future generations."