WINSFORD Town Park has won the Cheshire West and Chester civic award for design and conservation.

The award acknowledges the extent of the original design and the work put into the creation of the park, with the designs being built from ideas from local students.

The largely-forgotten park previously consisted of a few seats, and trees which obscured views.

It faced a history of neglect and anti-social behaviour, limiting its use by families.

Cheshire West and Chester Council backed a sum of £900,000 for the public investment in 2018.

Winsford town mayor councillor Nathan Pardoe, said: "It's wonderful that the hard work of Cheshire West and Chester Council staff who planned, project managed, and delivered this fantastic asset has been properly recognised.

"I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project from inception to creation and the ongoing maintenance – including all the residents who play their part."

Winsford Town Council took authority after the project had been completed, so residents could take greater pride and ownership of their new park.

The dedicated Friends of Winsford Town Park group also does 'fantastic work' with its upkeep.

Councillor Pardoe added: "This was a significant undertaking which we were proud to take on.

"The conservation of our Town Park is led by Winsford Town Council which pays for a professional horticulturist and whose staff care for Town Park all year round.

"Our park also has an active friends group who do fantastic work, which is greatly appreciated by all."

Councillor Lyndsay Barwell, chair of Winsford Town Council's open spaces committee, added: "Our Town Park was transformed into a new space with functional items like play equipment, picnic seating and new footpaths.

"Ecology wasn't forgotten, with ponds for wildlife, and areas for wildflower and tree planting.

"There's a nod to our salt heritage too, with the, 'Seven Sisters' salt sculptures."

Since completion, the park is a lively, open green space, going from strength to strength and being taken to its full advantage by the whole community.