Avon Meadows set for improvements

Buy photos » Improvements are set to be made to Avon Meadows after lottery funding was secured. 1511040ABR1

IMPROVEMENTS to a Pershore beauty spot will begin in the new year after a £230,000 grant was secured for the project.

It comes after Wychavon District Council's bid for the six-figure grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund to improve Avon Meadows was given the green light.

With funding now granted, the project will aim to revive Pershore's thriving wetlands area by making it more accessible to visitors and help it become a prime location so it plays more of a vital role in the community.

The announcement comes on the same week when the site received royal approval from Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester during his special visit to the town on Wednesday (October 3).

Plans are afoot to build new footpaths and easily opened gates on the site as well as provide disabled visitors or families with pushchairs more straightforward access to the area.

Work will start in 2013 and the project will run for three years with opportunities for Pershore residents to get involved. It is also hoped schools will be able to use the wetlands for outdoor lessons.

New signs and Quick Response codes will be able to be scanned on mobile phones which will then reveal adventure trails and information for young people to explore and enjoy.

Jim Burgin, Heritage Manager for Wychavon District Council, said the project was an exciting development for Pershore.

“We are thrilled with the interest shown by the Duke and his visit was a real honour," he said. "The Duke showed a real interest and it’s great to have his support.

"We feel this project is the start of a bright future for Avon Meadows and the local community and we are excited to see how this will benefit the local area.

"It’s wonderful to get the grant and to be spending it in a way that will not only help the community but the local environment as well."

For more information on the Avon Meadows project or to find out how to get involved call Jim Burgin on 01386 565366 or email jim.burgin@wychavon.gov.uk.

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