PROJECT APPROVED TO TRANSFORM A THORNHILL RECREATIONAL AREA INTO A PARKLAND PARADISE

A new and innovative Thornhill Plus You project will transform a unkempt park into a woodland gem, when redevelopment begins at Thornhill Park on Tuesday 8 th May 2007.

Thornhill Park , located to the north of the neighbourhood, is undergoing a monumental transformation including; major environmental improvements and the development of open spaces. The need to improve Thornhill Park was to encourage use, principally by taking measures to increase safety and reduce the fear of crime, but also by improving the quality of the environment, which was identified by local residents.

Key issues for concern were raised by residents and included: anti social behaviour in the park grounds, poor lighting and precarious pathways. Thornhill Plus You listened to the residents and plans to tackle these issues by:

1. Improving visibility and natural surveillance by introducing more lighting and re-designing the vegetation structure.
2. Improving the existing network of pathways by resurfacing and creating nature trails.
3. Reducing anti-social behaviour by clearing vegetation that provides cover for such activities.
4. Improving the parks infrastructure by implementing vandal resistant litter bins and installing new seating.

Emma Blunt, Thornhill Plus You's Capital Projects Manager commented: “The Thornhill Park Improvements project will completely transform the parkland from a walkway, into an area where people will want to spend time. The improvements have been driven by residents from initial consultation stages, through to developmental processes. We are looking forward to seeing peoples reactions when the work is complete.”

Not only will the park look different but the improvements will increase the level of community activity, improve community cohesion, promote a healthier lifestyle, reduce the fear of crime by clearing overcast areas of the park and improve the local environment.

In autumn 2007, phase two of the project will begin with the input of local residents. Decisions will be made as to the implementation of play facilities, family picnic areas and improving horticultural design. Phase one of the ‘Thornhill Park Improvements' project is due for completion in July 2007. If you would like more information about the project please contact Emma Blunt on 023 8091 5404.

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For more information about this news release please contact:

Lucy Huitson, Communications Assistant, Thornhill Plus You, 023 8091 5405, lhuitson@thornhillplusyou.co.uk .

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