Joy as grotspot becomes garden
Work is under way to transform a stretch of eyesore wasteland into a community paradise.
The site of the former Falkland Heroes pub, in Village Green Lane, Ingol, Preston, has become an overgrown magnet for fly-tipping and litter since its demolition after a fire in 2002.
But after a long campaign, owners Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust are to transform it into a green area.
Tom Anderson, chairman of the Ingol and Tanterton Police and Communities Together (PACT), said: "We are pretty chuffed, it is betterment for our community.
"It was a long time getting it done, but all's well that ends well."
The Falkland Heroes pub was pulled down shortly after it was wrecked by fire in December 2002. The site was bought by Central Lancashire PCT, as part of their plans to build a clinic nearby.
But the site, which is approximately the size of a football pitch, became heavily overgrown and was a hotspot for fly-tipping.
Maureen Harrison, NHS Central Lancashire's acting associate director of community engagement and customer care, said: "We have worked closely with Impact Neighbourhood Management Board group to make sure they are happy with our plans for the site.
"We initially acquired the land around 10 years ago as a possible overspill for Ingol Health Centre and have maintained the area since.
"Sadly, with the foundations of the pub still being there, the site was deteriorating and we agreed with the neighbourhood management board that we could work together to improve the area for the residents of Ingol and Tanterton.
"So last January we met with the residents to discuss what we should do with the site on a long-term basis and they voiced their support for a green open space that they could use.
"It will cost around 8,000 to redevelop the site into a grassed area, but it is worth every penny.
"The site will now be maintained by the community payback team in partnership with the local authority."
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 29 July 2010
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 15 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 15 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
