A NEW fence will protect elderly residents with gardens backing on to Bewsey Park.

The Friends of Bewsey Park Committee has been striving to establish a park suitable for people of all ages to enjoy since it formed in 2001.

With the help of Clr Jeff Richards, lighting was installed thanks to an Environmental Improvement Fund grant last year.

Now the group has secured £60,000 for the Troutbeck Avenue park from Waste Recycling Environment Ltd (WREN), Golden Gates Housing and Warrington Borough Council.

The latest development will see a perimeter fence separating the bungalows' rear gardens from the park, improving the security of the elderly and disabled residents living in these properties.

Tom Senior, committee member, said: "We formed after the old pavilion burned down in an arson attack, with the intention of improving the park for the community.

"I feel that it is important that the general public in and around Warrington know what we have achieved.

"Youngsters were getting into the back gardens and this should make a big difference."

The work will also see new landscaping and planting of trees along the perimeter.

Future plans include child play areas with swings, climbing frames and slides, an all-weather five-a-side football pitch and a full size hard-surfaced basketball court, with shelters and seating.

The group is also seeking planning permission to minimise the disturbances to residents living adjacent to the entrances to the park, situated in Delves Avenue and Bagot Avenue, by closing these entrances and widening the Troutbeck Avenue entry.

The overall programme of work will cost approximately £250,000, including £120,000 from WREN and £2,500 from The Gatsby Trust.