GREEN-fingered nature lovers are looking forward to revamp work starting on an East Shields park.
Last year, The Friends of Cleadon Park (FoCP) group was awarded £35,000 to improve the site, just off Quarry Lane.
The cash from the Big Lotto’s community spaces fund has been spent on new trees, plants, signs and maintenance work for the park, and work is set to begin on Monday.
June Elsom, FoCP secretary, said: “Weather permitting, the work should start on Monday.
“Needless to say, we are all very excited. We hope this is just the start of many more things to come.”
Eighteen fruit trees and dozens of bulbs will be planted in and around the dell area of the park, while existing trees and bushes, which are often used as dumping grounds for litter and rubbish, are being cut back and cleaned up.
The major part of the work is the refurbishment of the ‘Cinderella steps’.
Mrs Elsom said: “The steps must be more than 100 years old, and were once a key feature of the park.
“So time will be spent reshaping the stones and bringing them back to their former glory.”
The Friends are also hoping to turn a section of the park into a wild flower area, which can be used by nearby schools to educate youngsters.
A bid for £2,000 has been made to South Tyneside Council’s East Shields Community Area Forum.
The group is also planning to re-submit a £1.3m National Lottery application for extra funding, after their first request was rejected in 2008.
Mrs Elsom added: “Ideally, the wild flower area will have a variety of plants, including grasses, daisies, cornflowers and poppies.
“I have been in touch with local headteachers, who have said that the children would like to be involved with the initial planting.
“Obviously, it is to be a wild garden, so there would be no need for maintenance.
“We are hopeful that we will be able to secure the cash.”
Anyone who would like help out in the park should e-mail june.elsom@btinternet.com
Twitter @ShieldsGazVez
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