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Community celebrates Wepre Park improvements

Published: 28/09/2016

Community groups, community leaders and local councillors celebrated the completion of a major refurbishment and improvement programme at a local park recently. Wepre Park has seen a £583,400 investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) over the past five years which has seen a transformation of the park and a return to its former glory. The grant, awarded to Flintshire County Council, has funded the restoration of the Old Hall Gardens and improved interpretation at the park. It is the backdrop to Ewloe Castle, an 11th century Scheduled Ancient Monument, which was built by the Welsh Princes during the borderland struggles with Edward I. Flintshire County Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Bernie Attridge, said: “This funding has been instrumental in improving footpaths and interpretation to help local people and visitors explore the story of the park, Old Hall Gardens and Ewloe Castle. I am delighted with all the developments and the restoration of the gardens which help to bring back to life a vital part of this historic and much loved area of Connahs Quay. The Chair of the Friends of Wepre Park, Bev Futia, said: “This has been a five year project, but for all our volunteers it’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears! I want to thank all the Countryside team and all our volunteers – everyone who has helped make today happen – all your hard work has paid off and we now have a wonderful facility and this wonderful park and garden.” The Chairman of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Peter Curtis, said: “I had the pleasure of opening the new visitor centre extension – ‘The Garden Room’ last year and I am amazed at the work that has gone on since, the gardens look fabulous. “This Heritage Lottery Funding has enabled the Countryside team here at Wepre Park and all the volunteers involved to really bring the park into the 21st century and given the community a fantastic local environment to use and enjoy. I would like to pay special thanks to all those who have contributed to this project over the last few years, you’ve done a wonderful job and particular the volunteers, without whom the project would not have been completed. I’d like to think on this event, not as a celebration for something finishing, but more a celebration of a new beginning.” Flintshire County Council Chairman, Cllr Peter Curtis and Connahs Quay Deputy Mayor, Cllr Chris Risley.