Repair works completed on Worden Park conservatory as Council reveals "exciting plans" for 2021

The conservatory in Leyland's Worden Park has been restored to its former glory after it was destroyed by vandals earlier this year.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 4th Dec 2020, 09:43 BST
Updated 4th Dec 2020, 11:51 BST
The Worden Park conservatory has been restored after it was wrecked by vandals who had caused 11,000 worth of damage in March 2020The Worden Park conservatory has been restored after it was wrecked by vandals who had caused 11,000 worth of damage in March 2020
The Worden Park conservatory has been restored after it was wrecked by vandals who had caused 11,000 worth of damage in March 2020

For the past seven months, the boarded up conservatory had been a grim reminder of the shocking vandalism which wrecked it in early March, causing £11,000 in damage.

Five people, including a 14-year-old boy, were arrested and prosecuted for the vandalism which occurred just months after South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC) spent £200,000 renovating the historic conservatory.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fortunately, the £11,000 cost of repairs has been covered by the Council's insurance, said a spokesman.

The 11,000 cost of repairs has been covered by South Ribble Borough Council's insuranceThe 11,000 cost of repairs has been covered by South Ribble Borough Council's insurance
The 11,000 cost of repairs has been covered by South Ribble Borough Council's insurance

Dozens of windows were smashed and plants destined for the park's award-winning gardens had been left ruined by their actions.

This time around, CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the conservatory to deter future acts of vandalism.

The conservatory – built in 1892 – has always been a popular feature of Worden Park and its latest restoration has uplifted many of the park's regular visitors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Debra Smith, from Leyland, said: "How lovely to see this today. It filled my heart with happiness. Hope the people of Leyland get to enjoy it this time. It's really lifted my spirits."

Vandals smashed dozens of windows in a vandalism spree on Worden Park conservatory in March 2020, resulting in £11,000 of damageVandals smashed dozens of windows in a vandalism spree on Worden Park conservatory in March 2020, resulting in £11,000 of damage
Vandals smashed dozens of windows in a vandalism spree on Worden Park conservatory in March 2020, resulting in £11,000 of damage

Carol McLeod added: "Seeing this has made my day. I was so saddened when it was trashed. It looks beautiful again."

And Brian King said: "Truly wonderful and a gem to view in our amazing park. I hope it's left alone for all to enjoy. Thank you to South Ribble Council for putting it right."

And local councillor, Matthew Tomlinson, has hinted that the repairs might just be the beginning of an exciting new future for the conservatory.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When one park visitor suggested online that the conservatory "would make a nice tea room", Coun Matthew Tomlinson eagerly responded: "Look out for a planning application coming in the new year!"

He then added: "SRBC have exciting plans for the whole area. With over £2 million to be spent over the next 18 months; look out for a planning application in the first few weeks of the new year."

The Council is remaining tight-lipped on its plans for Worden Park in 2021, but it has confirmed that "planning permission is currently pending."

An SRBC spokesman said: "Historically, the conservatory has been a focal point in Worden Park and an important part of its heritage.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"This latest development has even more significance ahead of plans to bring Worden Hall back to life and back into use in 2021, with planning permission currently pending."

It is more important than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

For unlimited access to news and information online, you can subscribe here.

Related topics:CouncilLeyland

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.