Brough Park funding bid unsuccessful

A funding bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a project to improve and enhance Brough Park in Leek has been unsuccessful.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council submitted a bid to the HLF's Parks for People programme last year.

But the HLF announced this week that this initial bid had been turned down.

Councillor Brian Johnson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for parks at the Council, said: "Personally, and for all those people who helped us put the bid together, I am desperately disappointed we've not succeeded at this stage.  

"I remain committed to playing my part in bringing Brough Park back to its former glory if at all possible. Having ridden my first three-wheel bike in the Park over 65 years ago I have a strong connection with it and can still remember the fun I had there as a child. 

"Although we don't yet have a full understanding of what we could have done better to secure the bid,  I have already asked for a meeting with bid team to see what we may be able to do to continue with our aspiration to improve the park for everyone.

"Many individuals and organisations, like Leek Town Council, The Friends of The Park and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, committed their time and especially their money to this project. We are grateful to everyone who has supported us so far. It is important we continue to seek a successful outcome to everyone's desire to improve Leek's iconic park for future generations."