Work is progressing to give a popular Co Down park a major environmental facelift, focusing on its ponds and biodiversity.
Members of Ards and North Down Borough Council unanimously approved plans to make extensive improvements to the 37-acre Ward Park in Bangor.
This involves the removal of sediment from the ponds, enlargement of the upper pond and island and the creation of a newt pond.
Read more: Bangor businesses urged to check drainage connections after latest Ward Park pollution
There will also be new aquatic planting on pond edges, as well as repair work to pond edges and new coping stones provided.
The footpaths will be upgraded, there will be a new boardwalk and decking, and the pedestrian bridges will be replaced. The inlet structure will be upgraded, and existing bird enclosures, seating, picnic benches, planting and lighting will be replaced or refurbished.
DUP Councillor Alistair Cathcart has welcomed progress in the environmental improvement works to Ward Park.
He said: "I stated that I would not support any council budget that does not include funding to desilt (removing the sediment which has built up) from the Ward Park ponds. The water depth is some areas is very restricted. Works to address this have dragged on far too long.
"I am pleased that funding has been included in this financial year for this to be carried out. Works will also take place upstream on a more effective silt trap to prevent or reduce future siltation of the ponds."
Further funding has also been included in next financial year’s budget to carry out wider improvement works in what is called the central spine area of Ward Park.
"I am particularly pleased that the bird enclosures will be replaced and refurbished to comply with modern welfare standards. Furthermore, the Council are applying for external funding to reduce costs to ratepayers for this scheme," Councillor Cathcart added.
Recently, it was revealed that a former WWII air raid shelter was to be transformed into a quaint tea room beside the park. The red brick building once housed Bangor families fleeing to safety from the Luftwaffe in April 1941 as they flew across Northern Ireland.
The shelter, with its thick walls and solid concrete roof, sits at the residential Park Drive end of the park, partly concealed by trees. In the early 1960s it was used by the then Bangor Technical College as a classroom and more recently it had been home to the North Down Cycling Club.
Ward Park was acquired more than 100 years ago for the benefit of residents and tourists along with Ballyholme Park, the Marine Gardens and Stricklands Glen, which were all being used by the public by 1914.
Today it is still popular with locals and visitors, used at the start and end point for Park Run and attracts families with children to the playground, cricket pitch, bowling greens, putting green and 10 tennis courts as well as dog walkers.
With its flower beds in full bloom, Ward Park is currently hosting the annual Open House Festival in July and August where crowds are arriving with picnics and seating to enjoy free live music at the bandstand every Sunday
The park has also hosted a number of open-air concerts at the Ward Arras side of the Park bringing in international artists including homegrown talent Snow Patrol.
READ NEXT:
-
Queen’s Parade: Council approves plans for Bangor's long awaited £50million revamp
-
Two new dog friendly venues in Bangor add to Co Down's big family welcome
-
Bangor's former WWII air raid shelter being transformed into a tea room
-
Flagship Bangor unveils latest plans for new indoor market as part of redevelopment
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
