Stretford and Urmston Messenger Supports the 2008 HLF Bid
As reported in the Stretford and Urmston Messenger Tuesday 22nd July 2008
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LONGFORD Park could be transformed beyond recognition if a £2 million Lottery bid due to be submitted in September gets the green light.
It’s the second time Trafford Council have applied for substantial Lottery funding to make wholesale changes at the historic park in Stretford.
And they need public support for the bid to transform the park.
The bid includes restoration plans for the park’s Edwardian bungalow to provide a new cafe and outdoor seating area, new toilets, restoration of stable buildings to provide a visitor centre, scout headquarters, art exhibition space, meeting rooms, classroom for Trafford College and other partners and centrally located toilets.
The park’s art deco shelters, rose gardens and the Japanese gardens would all benefit from a makeover, as would the reintroduction of water features.
The pets corner would be expanded and developed into a small urban farm style facility, offering greater interaction and learning for the local community.
The Longford Hall Garden area would be turned into an outdoor performance area and vibrant civic space, providing a prominent symbol of regeneration for the community.
Creation of new paths to open up underused areas of the park, improved drainage and signage to increase usage and take advantage of the park’s proximity to Stretford Athletics Stadium, the Trans Pennine trail, the Mersey Valley and the soon to be redeveloped Bridgewater Canal are all included in the bid, a decision either way won’t be made until 2010.
Executive councillor Jonathan Coupe told Messenger: “This is a very exciting bid which, if successful, would give us the opportunity to bring immense improvements to Longford Park to transform it into a first class community facility.
“We really want local people to feel that the park belongs to them and I would ask residents - particularly those living in the immediate area - to offer their support to this campaign.
“We want all our parks to be well-used, vibrant, safe and sustainable and this funding will secure this future for Longford Park.”
Local people can lend their support and comment by signing the Friends of Longford Park’s electronic petition. The link to the page is www.friendsoflongfordpark.org.uk
The theme of this year’s photography competition was ‘Aspects of Longford Park Spring/Summer 2008′. The subject matter was to relate to the landscapes, the wildlife, the history and of course the people that use Longford Park.
Enriqueta Rylands was the third wife of Manchester cotton magnate John Rylands and founder of the John Rylands Library. This year represents the centenary of her death in 1908 and the blue plaque within Longford Park will be updated to reflect more accurately her 
Images of Longford Park
