Experts with Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust (WLCT) Parks Service team worked through the winter months on the £29,000 project, which forms the first stage of a larger improvement plan. The operation is a joint venture between the Parks Service, Wigan Council, local Police and the bowlers themselves. Local councillors started the ball rolling on the project by providing Brighter Borough cash to kick-start the makeover.

Speaking on behalf of the ward councillors, Cllr John Lea said: "Bedford is a smashing little park which local people strongly support and have used since 1927. "The ward councillors were happy to help with cash to start the improvement programme. We're also making sure that investment is made in the play area."

He added: "There is still more to do but with local people involved we'll make sure the park is thriving for generations to come."

While WLCT Parks Services Manager Andrew Haworth said work on the play area could begin once some all-important sewer work had been completed. He said: "We're delighted this project has started so well and that the improvements have attracted many positive comments. The bowling green is now more open and people have said they feel safer using the park. Once the sewer work is finished we will carry out improvements to the main gate and the new children's play area will be installed."

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Notes to Editors