Volunteers begin work restoring South Shields’ Readhead Park to its former glory following Barbour Foundation boost

Volunteers braved the rain on Sunday to begin work restoring a historic South Shields park back to its glory days.
Coun Glenn Thompson (left) with volunteers from the Friends of Readhead Park group began work restoring the park.Coun Glenn Thompson (left) with volunteers from the Friends of Readhead Park group began work restoring the park.
Coun Glenn Thompson (left) with volunteers from the Friends of Readhead Park group began work restoring the park.

The Friends of Readhead Park group recently received a £10,000 donation from the Barbour Foundation to help them maintain and improve the Victorian park on Sunderland Road, South Shields.

On Sunday, November 17 volunteers from the group, which has more than 40 members, gave up their time to start renovations on the site.

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Despite the miserable weather conditions, they collected mumerous of bags of rubbish from the park and began preparations for what will be a rose garden underneath the park pagoda.

Coun Glenn Thompson (left) and volunteers begin work restoring Readhead Park following cash boost.Coun Glenn Thompson (left) and volunteers begin work restoring Readhead Park following cash boost.
Coun Glenn Thompson (left) and volunteers begin work restoring Readhead Park following cash boost.

The Friends of Readhead Park initiative was launched earlier this year, by newly-elected independent councillor for the Westoe ward Glenn Thompson, in response to concerns over its deteriorating condition.

The Barbour Foundation funding will cover the costs of a replacement roof and renovation work to the park outbuilding to support the group’s activities.

It will also allow for the installation of CCTV and lighting expected to be installed in the coming weeks, as well as a new area for dogs to be kept on leads, plus additional picnic tables and waste bins.

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Coun Thompson said: “We have a great community group who, despite the weather, turned up on Sunday for a well-needed litter pick and to start the beds for a rose garden under the park pagoda. As we are hitting winter we are hoping to concentrate on the rose garden and revamping the park outhouse for tool storage and welfare facilities for the group.”

Volunteers collected several bags of litter from Readhead Park.Volunteers collected several bags of litter from Readhead Park.
Volunteers collected several bags of litter from Readhead Park.

He added: “Everything is going great but there is still a lot to do and anyone who would like to get involved can get in touch.”

A spokesperson for the Foundation said: “Dame Margaret and the Trustees of the Barbour Foundation were delighted to make a donation to the Friends of Redhead Park following their recent application.

“This extensive refurbishment, in the opinion of the Trustees, was an excellent worthwhile project and will improve the surroundings in our lovely Town and make a difference to the South Shields community.”

For more information visit the Westoe Ward Updates Facebook page and contact Coun Thompson on [email protected] or 07971 364221.