The Council’s second-round bid for funding from the Parks for People programme has been successful and the project will deliver some exciting improvements for Hednesford Park:

• Access into the park and facilities for disabled people will be improved
• The pavilion will be extended on to two storeys, with a community room, balcony and ground-floor café
• A state-of-the-art skate park will be installed, as well as junior and older children's play areas in a new location near the pavilion
• Existing conservation areas will be enhanced and improved to increase the site's biodiversity
• Railings, gates and pillars will be restored
• Work will be carried out on the adjacent listed war memorial including its railings, gates and pillars

People had their say on the council's plans for the park in a consultation that ran throughout the summer. Local people were also encouraged to come forward with their memories and stories of Hednesford Park. The council worked closely with the Friends of Hednesford Park in submitting the bid, which passed through three assessment stages before being approved. The council intends to roadshow the improvements to be made early in the new year.

Councillor George Adamson, Leader of the Council, said: "We're delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund have given us this grant. This is a wonderful early Christmas present for the people of Hednesford and is the green light for our exciting plans. Hednesford Park is at the heart of the community and has been for generations. The funding means that we can now deliver a wonderful park fit for the 21st century that builds on its history and heritage."

Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said on behalf of HLF and BIG: "We're delighted to be bringing a bit of seasonal cheer to a number of popular parks, including Hednesford Park, especially as demand for funding continues to be very high. It's been a tough year for those caring for our public parks but HLF and BIG's commitment to this important part of the UK's heritage is unwavering. Parks enrich millions of people's lives on a daily basis – providing room to relax and reflect – and it's vital that we continue to value and protect them not just for ourselves but for the next generation too."

Notes to editors

Today's second-round pass award are from the Parks for People programme which has a two-stage or two-round application process. The full grant has now been awarded following a successful second-round application from these parks.

The Parks for People programme uses Lottery funds to support the regeneration, conservation and increased enjoyment of public parks and the conservation of cemeteries. The programme aims to improve the local environment and put parks firmly back at the heart of community life. HLF and BIG will continue to fund public park projects from FY 2013 / 2014 to FY 2015 / 2016 with a joint investment of £100m.

HLF is continuing to fund public park projects in 2012 / 13 with an investment of £24m. The next closing date for applications is 28 February 2013. The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) remains committed to working in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in making a success of the Parks for People programme with an allocation of £5m in 2012 / 13.

Since 1994, HLF has awarded a total of £640m to over 700 public parks across the UK.

Further information

Cannock Chase Council: Jamie Summerfield, Communications Officer on 01543 464 495, email: jamiesummerfield@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.

HLF Press Office: Katie Owen on 020 7591 6036 / 07973 613 820.