Grimsargh Village Green is owned and managed by Preston City Council Parks Department which is responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. However, the input of the Parks Department has reduced in recent years and increasingly the Parks Department rely upon Volunteer Groups to work with them to enhance their local Green areas for the benefit of the local users and residents.
The main recommendations in the Parish Plan 2004, relating to the Village Green, were the upgrading of its equipment and facilities, including the improvements to all of the children’s play equipment, drainage of the Village Green and additional planting schemes.
The Friends of Grimsargh Green (affectionately known as “FOGG”) was formed in 2005, following on from the Parish Plan and is a small, but dedicated Committee, which is focussed on making Grimsargh Village Green into an area that we can all be proud of and are happy to visit and take children to play.
Together with the recommendations from the Parish Plan, FOGG has also taken in the wider picture of general improvements to the Village Green. It was clear that many areas had been allowed to become run down and access to the far side of the Green was also fairly poor.
Summary of key achievements:
- Receiving level 4 "Thriving" award in 2010 Britain in Bloom competition - the second highest category of award - in the first year of entry.
- A new Village Information Board featuring places of interest in Grimsargh is now located on the corner of the Village Green which has been very well received.
- Creation of a new pond, planted with indigenous species and construction of a “Dipping Platform”.
- The original pond has been transformed into a new wetland area.
- Planting of a new "Wildflower Garden". This has recently been augmented by a new sign providing information on the species that can be found in the area.
- New car park complete with solar lighting.
- The existing footpath around the Green was refurbished and new sections have been created, alongside the new pond and wildflower garden and completing the circuit around the Green. All work was carried out using recycled materials.
- A "Willow Weaving" project alongside the footpath has now created a "Living Willow Tunnel" and a quiet and tranquil seating area alongside the wildflower garden.
New Wildflower Corner Sign
Projects Underway
Children's Play Area - the timing of this achieved a major step forward with the recent signing off of the monies from the Redrow development and passing at Cabinet of the required resolution from Preston City Council. It is hoped that we are now in the final stages of the planning and implementation of a major refurbishment of this facility.
Litter Concerns
Sadly, there is a problem with discarded cans and other litter, particularly around the willow arbour and wildflower area. We are dependent on Preston City Council for clearing this litter away. Reports of litter can be made to Preston City Council on Tel: 01772 9906471 or email parks@preston.gov.uk
Acknowledgements
FOGG is very grateful to the following for their grants and support that have made the projects possible:
- Preston Rural Area Forum
- Lancashire County Council Green Partnership Awards
- The Parish Council
- The Harris Trust
- The Bridges Trust
- Entrust
- Lancashire County Council Climate Change Fund
- The Local Grants Fund
- Grimsargh Players
- Grimsargh residents who have supported our various fundraising events
2011 AGM Meeting Notes and Accounts
To download a copy of these, click here.