FRODSHAM’S Green Gates Park is open to the public for only the second time in 10 years – despite the Coronavirus situation.
The Town Council agreed to the re-opening – and members of campaign group the Green Gates Community Project didn’t need telling twice!
They saw the opening as an important milestone in their two year campaign to get the park re-opened and saved from the threat of housing development.
There was no official cutting of a ribbon as organisers were keen not to create a crowding situation around the gates.
The long term future of the site is still unsettled as the Town Council is carrying out an options appraisal, assisted by independent adjudicators.
But for the time being, the park gates are being opened at 9am every day and closed at 6pm.
Options under consideration include doing nothing, selling the land to developers for housing, carrying out the regeneration project drawn up by the Green Gates Community Project, or building a community hub.
A survey carried out by the Community Project showed 95 per cent of local respondents favoured the regeneration project.
This would provide a public space tailored to the needs of young children and nearby elderly residents.
There would be pathways where youngsters could try out bike-riding skills, play equipment, benches and a wildflower garden.
The land, known by many locals as “The Backy” has been kept locked up for almost 10 years. But prior to that it was used by generations of local youngsters – including singer Gary Barlow, who lived nearby, as a play area.
After the gates were opened, local people enjoyed using the open land in the sunshine. But strict social distancing rules were observed to ensure the event did not pose a health risk.