A project budget of £250,000 has been allocated to improve Sydney Gardens by the Lib Dem run Council.

The budget will pay for immediate improvements to the infrastructure in the park, such as the tennis courts and the play areas.  Improvements will also be carried out on some of the listed structures.  Work will be co-ordinated with Network Rail’s electrification project to ensure maximum public  benefit.

Representatives from local residents’ associations, the Holbourne Museum and local councillors are involved in drawing up a priority list for the works.

Local campaigner Claire Jackson said “it is helpful that the Council has reached out to local community groups and residents to ask for their input.  Ideas coming from the steering group are being shared more widely in a consultation leaflet.  Local people care deeply about the Gardens and we have to make sure that these works have their support”.