Park gets lottery windfall

Plans to restore one of Greater Manchester's oldest parks have been boosted with a £2m lottery grant.

Rochdale's Broadfield Park will benefit from a full restoration, after the cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund was confirmed.

Up to £850,000 will also be invested in the park over the next 10 years by Rochdale Borough Council.

The project will involve repairs to the park's Dialect Poets' Memorial, Victoria Bridge and the Packer Spout Fountain, while steps, footpaths and gates will also be improved.

'Major contribution'

On Wednesday members of the Friends of Broadfield Park, including councillors and Rochdale MP Lorna Fitzsimons, were gathering at the park to celebrate the win on Wednesday.

The success of the bid also means a park ranger will be appointed who will encourage local people to get involved with events at the park.

Chris Flintoff, countryside parks and events manager, said: "The Friends of Broadfield Park have made great efforts to bring about this success.

"They make a major contribution to the park and this project through their support and events they organised."

The park - on Sparrow Hill - was opened in 1874 and became the first public park in the town.