Warsop community joins forces to create new park area thanks to generosity of local businesses

Residents and councillors met to discuss ideas in February last year about the Cottage Lane site, with businesses coming forward to offer their services for the project to breathe life back into the green space, which had been unloved for more than twenty years.

Councillor Debra Barlow spearheaded the project and enlisted the help of Warsop joiner Tony Hubbard to move the plans forward after businesses and charities offered donations to the project, which got underway earlier this summer.

Coun Barlow said: “This area of Warsop has been untouched for many years, and meant there were no recreational facilities for residents within walking distance.

"After a successful meeting last year, we realised that enough people were behind the idea, and we set out to raise funds and make plans.”

Tony, from Hubbard Home Improvements, completed the majority of the work, ably assisted by Kevin Spencer, levelling the ground and creating a stone path around the perimeter of the grass for bikes, pushchairs and wheelchairs, and to provide a level pathway to make the park accessible to those less mobile.

They cleared the area and planted flowers, also installing new bins and a wheelchair accessible picnic table, and have further plans for play equipment and a covered area over the coming months.

Residents are now planning events for the new space, including a dog show, a Christmas event and an open day in the Spring.

The project would not have been possible without the backing of local businesses who came forward to offer help.

Coun Barlow, who contributed her own ward allowance for the project, continued: “We have had some fantastic donations from local businesses and we can’t thank them enough.

"Big Warsop, B & B Tractors, Warsop United Charities and Mayor Andy Abrahams all contributed – we could not have done this without them.

"Also a huge thanks to Tony Hubbard and Kev Spencer who both put in long hours to get the project underway.

"Warsop has once again shown the great community spirit at getting things done and it was great to see so many residents coming out to help along the way.”

39-year-old Tony lives in Warsop himself and says he thought the project was ‘really important’ for families in the area.

He said: “It’s been more than twenty years since we had a park on here, I remember it from when I was a kid myself.

"There is nothing around here for kids unless you go over to The Carrs, so it’s great we have this space now.

"I’ve already seen so many people out for a walk and kids learning to ride their bikes, and that’s exactly why I thought it was really important to make the most of the space.

"There will be more to come, this is just the beginning.”

Mansfield District Council has now applied to put the field in trust, which will preserve the green space for future generations.

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