Cheers and applause greeted the news that Poole Park is to receive nearly 3million Heritage Lottery Funding.

The stunning success of the lottery bid was revealed at the cricket pavilion and celebrated with tea and cake by groups and organisations involved in the park.

Ecstatic and overjoyed was the reaction from Martin Whitchurch, Borough of Poole project leader for environmental and consumer protection.

The Victorian park is among seven historic public parks throughout the country to share a 20.6m lottery pot, receiving a 2,970,200 grant.

We dont get it now, he said. We get 260,000 which funds the next two years worth of work before we get the big capital funding.

A major work will be to undertake detailed research and monitoring of the boating lake to help establish future management arrangements; conservation, maintenance and maintenance plans will be drawn up and there will be a range of public events and consultation.

We could probably spend 10m quite easily, said Martin.

This is the first stage in a long process to improve Poole Park.

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole said: We are delighted with this announcement and its a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the local residents, businesses and the Friends of Poole Park for getting us to this stage.

Mike Heckford, vice-chairman and treasurer of Friends of Poole Park said: Now the hard work begins to ensure plans are drawn up to improve Poole Park and to ensure it is an even more pleasant place for everyone to visit in future. The money when received, must be wisely spent.

Read more from the original source:
Delight as Poole Park is awarded 2.9m Lottery cash