Irlam Parks Group
The local community identified the improvement of parks and open spaces as a priority in the 2001 Irlam & Cadishead Community Action Plan.
Prince's Park was identified as a priority as it had become run down and there was a strong feeling that it should, once again, become the 'hub' of the community.
The Parks & Open Spaces Group, a sub-group of the community committee, was formed in 2002 supported by the neighbourhood management team. They developed a co-ordinated approach to improve the parks in the area.
The group consists of local residents, neighbourhood manager, community development, health development, sports development, youth, environmental services officers, local councillor, police officer and a Ranger joined the team last year (2006). The funding for this new post came from community committee and local businesses.
A joint vision has driven this group and has produced considerable achievements. Funding from Section 106, Lottery Fund, NOF, businesses and the community committee have underpinned the developments.
The group has been successful in forming a 'Friends' of the Parks' group, the BMX Skate Boarding youth group, a junior fishing group, involving people with learning difficulties from Prince's Park Garden Centre, involvement of the business community - Birse Ltd, United Parcel Services and Irlam Rotary Club. There has been considerable environmental improvements to Prince's Park, Cadishead Park and other open spaces. Educational activities are now held in the parks eg: tracks and trails, bug hunts, bat walks, bird watching, coppicing, tree and bulb planting schemes all co-ordinated by a newly employed Ranger and the Friends' group.
The work has contributed to improving health (health walks, picnics, events and celebrations) and promoting social inclusion. It has reduced anti-social behaviour by providing young people with an attractive meeting place. A parent recently commented "this is the best thing that has happened in the district for a long time".
For further information on this work, please contact the Irlam and Cadishead Neighbourhood Team.
This page was last updated on 21 October 2008
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