A VICTORIAN walled garden in the heart of a Warrington village has changed hands.

English Partnerships has completed the legal transfer of the gardens at Grappenhall Heys to Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council.

And the key to the garden, which was part of the Grappenhall Heys estate, was formally handed over to parish council chairman Clr Louise Fernyhough on Friday.

Now the council is looking at ways in which local people can access the beautiful and treasured facility.

Glen Sutton, head of asset transfer at English Partnerships, said he was in no doubt that the garden had found a good new home.

He added: "The extensive restoration, which English Partnerships has undertaken, has turned the previously derelict walled garden into a remarkable feature with great potential for the people of Warrington."

And Clr Fernyhough agreed, saying the transfer had been made possible thanks to careful negotiation.

She added: "The garden comes to us in first-class condition and the dowry means that it will stand on its own two feet financially - we won't be asking taxpayers to foot the bill.

"Our task now is to work out practical ways of realising the potential of the garden.

"We also thank Helen Southworth, Warrington South MP, for her support throughout the project and recognise the involvement of the Warrington Organic and Wildlife Gardening Society which has maintained the Kitchen Garden as a going concern."

The estate was established in 1830 by Thomas Parr - a member of a prominent Warrington banking family.

The hall was demolished in 1975 because it was in such poor condition. The garden remained neglected until EP took over in 1995.

The agency has paid an endowment to the council which will cover future maintenance and guarantee basic public access.