Park ranger Paul Evans, pictured in 2011 when plans were first announced

High Peak Borough Council announced on Wednesday (19 June) that work is set to start on preparing the Memorial Park, Whaley Bridge,  for major restoration and improvement.

Funding of £478,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund was awarded to the park for a programme of work to restore its original layout and landscaping works to preserve the natural environment.

The council will begin dismantling and removing existing play equipment at the park in readiness for the main restoration and improvement works.

Councillor Godrey Claff, executive member for regeneration, said: “This is an important milestone for this exciting project as we prepare the park for the main works which are due to start soon.

“We do, of course, recognise that the park is well loved and used by local people and will endeavour to minimise disruption as we remove the old play equipment.”

The park was created in 1920 to commemorate the loss of 108 men in the World War One. It provides a pleasant link between residential properties and the town’s shops and schools.

Plans for the park include restoring the war memorial, improving the entrances, installing a new bridge and play equipment and maintaining woodland and wildlife habitat including new planting to reflect original features.

• The Parks for People programme uses Lottery funds to support the regeneration, conservation and increased enjoyment of public parks. The programme aims to improve the local environment and put parks firmly back at the heart of community life. In England the two Lottery Funds have been working in partnership from 2006 to deliver a multi-million pound investment in public parks of £150m.