Preston community group receives £1,500 towards the upgrade of local park

Friends of Conway Park in Preston, Lancashire has received £1,500 as part of the North West Community Fund programme.

Established by local residents in 2015, Friends of Conway Park is a group of volunteers that supports Preston City Council and other agencies in the maintenance of Conway Park in Fulwood. The park is a short distance away from the Lightfoot Meadows development on Lightfoot Lane.

The volunteers work together to raise funds for general maintenance of the surrounding woodland and footpaths, and upgrades of the children’s play area. The group also arranges community events that help bring local people together, with their overall aim being to make the park a great place for recreation.

Norman Bilsborough, a volunteer with the group, said: “We are very grateful for this generous donation from David Wilson Homes. We plan to use the funds towards the cost of a new toddler multi-play unit as part of the second phase of improvements to the children’s play area.

“We think it’s very important for people to support good causes at a time when funding from the council and the government is in such short supply. It helps to strengthen the local community and improve social cohesion.”

Robert Holbrook, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes North West, said: “As one of the UK’s leading developers, it is really important that we support local organisations in our surrounding area.

“Friends of Conway Park is a shining example of a community group going the extra mile for other residents in the area. The pandemic has had a lasting effect on the community, so the group’s dedication to providing a peaceful outdoor space will benefit everyone and is sure to improve people’s mental wellbeing.”

Norman continued: “North West Community Fund is very helpful, and provides much needed financial support to good causes that want to help the local community. The prompt response of David Wilson Homes to our request for funding was a great encouragement to our community group.”

To find out more about the Friends of Conway Park visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/friendsofconwaypark