Package of improvements planned for Hartlepool's Rossmere Park
A series of planned improvements to a treasured park are to take place.
Hartlepool’s Rossmere Park was the subject of heightened public attention over the summer and in recent weeks following reports of anti-social behaviour.
Since then, however, work has been taking place to identify a range of measures designed to improve facilities, enhance the environment and support positive use of the park for residents and visitors.
The package of improvements planned includes the replacement of the existing public toilets with modern facilities and a storage unit for volunteers.
There will also be improvements to the park pond, including the replacement of edging stones, as well as resurfacing of a number of footpaths.
A new pride campaign, developed alongside local young people, will encourage respect for and ownership of the park.
The three floating islands on the park pond, meanwhile, will be secured into their original locations and fixed bollards will be installed near to the car park to prevent unauthorised vehicle access to the main park.
These improvements will be funded through the Government's £750,000 Pride in Place Impact Fund and will be delivered by Hartlepool Borough Council.
Councillor Rob Darby, the chair of the council’s housing, growth and communities committee, said: “Rossmere Park is a much-loved community asset and we know how important it is to residents.
“Following concerns raised by local people during the summer, we have listened to our residents and volunteers to develop a programme of investment that will improve facilities, enhance the park environment and support positive use of the space."
“Alongside the physical improvements, we are also committed to working with young people to develop a campaign which promotes pride in the park and encourages everyone to play their part in looking after this important community space.”
Beverley Mason, co-chair of the Rossmere Park Support Group, added: “As a group, we are absolutely over the moon that we are going to get the toilets refurbished and reopened for people to use, the footpaths are going to be refurbished and the pond sides re-sorted to make it a bit safer when you go closer to the pond.”