Overhaul plan for historic park

Preston Hall was built in 1825

Improvements are planned for a historic Teesside park and museum.

The draft proposals for Stockton's Preston Park and Preston Hall Museum include a major replanting programme and improving visitor facilities.

A series of public meetings are to be staged in an effort to gauge support for the proposals.

Standing in more than 100 acres of parkland, Preston Hall was built in 1825 and was opened as Stockton's first public museum in 1953.

'Hugely popular'

The museum has exhibits exploring domestic life of the past and includes recreated period rooms from the 1880s up to the 1960s. There is also a recreation of a Victorian street.

Councillor Mary Womphrey, Stockton Council's cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "Preston Park and Hall is hugely popular with all ages, but it is looking somewhat faded, and the unity of the original layout has been broken up over the years.

"We hope to recreate the landscape that once surrounded the hall with more trees, a re-established orchard and the restoration of the walled gardens.

"We are hoping to attract Lottery funding and we need to show public interest and support."