THREE green space projects have been awarded more than £43,000 for improvements.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has awarded the ‘Pocket Parks Plus’ cash to upgrade Bathhurst Park in Lydney and two play areas in Alvington.

Bathurst Park is the largest green space in Lydney and needs new wrought iron railings to enclose the formal Victorian memorial gardens.

Lydney Town Council has been working to act on results of a consultation in 2014, highlighting the feelings residents have for the park, which was given to the community in 1892.

And responding to the award of a £24,450 grant, town councillor Harry Ives, the Bathurst Park and Recreation Trust chairman, said: “This is brilliant news. Following construction of our beautiful archway and the removal of decayed railings, this now allows us to complete our planned improvements to Bathurst Park.

“Enclosing the memorial gardens, water feature and bandstand area provides protection from vandalism whilst improving the Victorian aesthetic. Thank you very much to Pocket Parks Plus.”

In Alvington, £18,960 has been earmarked to make improvements to two play areas where play equipment had to be removed for health and safety reasons.

Climbing frames with slides, climbing ropes and rope bridges will be bought and installed at Garlands Road playpark, where the equipment will be designed for use by under eights, and at Alvington sports field, which will be targeted at older children.

Cllr Lisa Chidley of Alvington Parish Council, who has led the play park project, said: “Alvington is a small parish, so gaining funding for both our play areas is a real achievement.

“Feedback from consultations we have run identified play equipment and activities for children and young people are required in the village.

“It’s a substantial investment in the village, which we have been working towards and we are delighted to receive such generous funding.” 

Cllr Chris McFarling, Forest Council Cabinet member for Environment, Wildlife, Heritage and Culture, added: “This is fantastic news – a real testament to the hard work of those involved, and the way that  councils can work together to help improve the community.

“It is also a great example of how consultation can deliver what really matters to people. These are community assets that make a real difference to our residents and that’s been recognised with these grants.”

The funds will be made available to Forest Council, which will act as the accountable body in overseeing the distribution of the funds and the evaluation of their use.