Muir Group News
7th July 2011
Children’s park dedicated to councillor
A PARK has been officially named after a late councillor who fought to have it created on derelict land.
The children’s park in Bethesda Road, Blackpool was opened in 2009 but following the death this year of Councillor Doreen Holt, who had cancer, it has now been named in her honour.
The idea for a park came from local residents, including many customers of Muir Group Housing Association which has around 40 properties in the area, and was backed by the association.
Muir Group was involved with consulting residents during the planning of the park.
“Muir Group supported residents in their plan to create a park from the beginning as we always do whatever we can to create thriving communities and ensure our neighbourhoods are great places to live,” said Barbara Stephenson, Community Engagement Officer with Muir Group Housing Association.
“Cllr Holt was the driving force behind the building of this park, so it seemed only right that it should bear her name.
“She was a real campaigner for residents in the area and following her death they got together with Central Drive Community Association and decided they wanted to dedicate the park to her memory.”
Before the park was built it was just a grassy area with some benches that attracted anti-social behaviour and there were no real play facilities for local children.
Muir Group resident Julie Moore says the new park has had a huge impact.
“Before the park was created children just played in the street and there were a few near-misses with cars,” she said.
“A few residents got together and decided to try and get the grassed area turned into a park for the children and we contacted Cllr Holt.
“Without her I don’t think it would have happened, she never gave up fighting for it. Now the children don’t play in the street anymore and every single day there are some children using the park.”
An official opening ceremony was held following the naming of the park and was attended by family of Cllr Holt.
Children from the local Revoe Community Primary School sang at the ceremony and a buffet lunch was provided afterwards by a friend of the much-loved councillor.
