Gardens in bid for lottery cash

The money would go towards a 10-year restoration project

A 100-year-old set of gardens in Derbyshire need £3m to restore them to their former glory.

Belper River Gardens are on the widest part of the River Derwent and have extensive plant collections, boating facilities and waterfowl.

But Amber Valley Borough Council has said a century of wear and tear has left the area needing renovation.

It is submitting a £1.6m bid to the Heritage Lottery fund which the council says it will match.

The money will go towards a 10-year programme of improvements and maintenance.

We now want some big money to do the big jobs Les Dorey, Friends of Belper River Gardens

Councillor Jack Brown MBE, Cabinet Member for Clean and Green at Amber Valley Borough Council said: "The river gardens are the jewel in the crown of Amber Valley.

"We want to improve the promenade, the tea rooms, the boathouse, the car park, the toilet blocks, the play area, the walkway, viewing platforms, access and make it better for the public."

"It has gradually worn down and it generally wants a good facelift."

Les Dorey, Chairman of the Friends of Belper River Gardens, said: "More money had been spent on the gardens recently but that has only been minor stuff.

"We now want some big money to do the big jobs which will make a real difference to the park."

The team will find out in September if the bid has made it through to the next stage of the funding process.