Q: When does the council say yes to digging up our historic parks...? A: When it suits it
Sep 7 2005
By Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/mar2005/2/3/000AF343-7EEF-1242-AD8B80BFB6FA0000.jpg

PART of Liverpool's historic Calderstones Park could be ripped up for a car park, the ECHO can reveal.

The proposal by the city council comes despite fears that Alder Hey children's hospital, which has outgrown its site, will not be allowed to rebuild on nearby parkland.

Calderstones car park would provide spaces for the predicted 100,000 visitors a year to a new tropical plant conservation centre, nicknamed the "mini Eden Project".

But families living near Calderstones Park are furious that a swathe of green space and trees could be lost beneath concrete, and have launched a campaign to convince city leaders to redraw the £12.7m plan.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2005/7/8/000D836C-F2CD-131E-84720C01AC1BF814.jpg

The council says the car park is vital.

It also insists the lost parkland would be replaced by the landscaping of the derelict site of a former council depot.

But the row throws open to question the council's policy on building on the city's precious parkland - because Alder hey also insist that they will replace parkland for their proposed hospital rebuild.

Denis Smith, of Calderstones Road, said: "I do not think anyone has a problem with the Eden Project part. It would definitely enhance the park.

"But I do not think the car park is acceptable at all. It will be about three times the size of the Eden Project site and the reality is that we will lose a green section of the park.

"I would rather the council built the car park on the former depot site where the collection used to be based in a row of greenhouses, because it is derelict land."

Paul Timmins, 45, of Calderstones Road, added: "I do not think much thought has gone into this plan.

"If we start building on parkland, we will not have much culture left for Capital of Culture.

"It is not just residents around the park who should be concerned. Calderstones Park belongs to everyone."

The council wants to build three bio-domes with different temperatures and landscapes at Calderstones Park, the historic home of its botanic collection.

Cllr Warren Bradley, executive member for leisure, said: "No green space will be lost if a new car park is built at Calder-stones Park.

"The Harthill depot area of the park, which is an area of wasteland, will be turned into parkland to replace the land used for the car park.

"I must stress the plans for Calderstones Park and the botanic collection are still in the very early stages.

"We welcome the views of residents and park users, and will take all comments into consideration when the council discusses the future of the park."

Cllr Paul Brant, opposition spokesman for neighbourhood management, said: " I am appalled that these proposals will result in the loss of part of Calderstones Park."

£12.7m bio-domes for rare plants

THE planned home for Liverpool's botanic collection would be the city's most futuristic tourist attraction.

Tropical plants from around the world would be housed in three biodomes with different temperatures and humidity.

The botanic collection dates back to 1803 and was the first in the north of England.

Over the past two centuries, it has been at several sites - including Calderstones Park - and is currently based at Greenhill Nursery in Garston.

It is still the largest tropical plant collection in the north, containing about 16,000 plants.

But the plants are housed in dilapidated greenhouses, which are closed to the public.

Two years ago, a study suggested Calderstones Park was the best location for the collection and said it could attract up to 100,000 visitors a year.

The £12.7m plan is to house the botanical collection in a new display building next to the walled garden.

The council says a large area of car parking would be required for tourists, which would also provide spaces for general park visitors.

It is also proposed to create a commercial garden centre to help cover expected annual running costs of £650,000.

The council is planning to sell off the Grade II-listed Mansion House, Coach House and outbuildings. They are used by the council as offices, but are in a poor condition.

ECHO Political Reporter Nick Coligan says...

ROWS over the future of Liverpool's parkland are becoming more common - and now the council is facing a new storm.

At the moment, the biggest problem is that the public does not know what the town hall's policy is on green spaces.

On the one hand, they hear that the council will not allow new houses and the tram network to be built on city parks.

Alder Hey's hope of rebuilding its ageing facilities on Springfield Park appears increasingly at risk because it will wipe out green space.

On the other, Liverpool FC are given permission to build a new stadium on part of Stanley Park.

Now the council has its own proposals to build three bio-domes and a car park on Calderstones Park.

Why are some schemes acceptable, and others not?

The council's policy on parkland is that it will generally object to losing green space.

But there are exceptions. They take certain criteria into account when making a decision, for example if it improves a park's conservation or recreational value.

With Calderstones car park, the council believes it will increase the park's recreational value by allowing more people to use it. However, it seems strange that a car park is acceptable, but a new hospital is not.

The council must make its reasoning clear.

ECHO essentials

YOU can see the council's plans for the botanic collection at Calderstones Park on its website. Go to http://councillors.liverpool.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.asp?CId=282&MeetingId=4550

If you want to contact the campaigners objecting to the proposal, email Paul Timmins at paultmmns05@aol.com

Source: icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=15941477%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26page=1%26headline=q%2d%2dwhen%2ddoes%2dthe%2dcou ncil%2dsay%2dyes%2dto%2ddigging%2dup%2dour%2dhisto ric%2dparks%2d%2d%2d%2d%2da%2d%2dwhen%2dit%2dsuits %2dit-name_page.html)

A great proposal (The Eden Style Project) but I love Caldease Park and would hate any carpark build there, However, there is a section that is hardly used in one of the corners by where the small carpark is now.

THE future of hundreds of trees in Liverpool's Sefton Park is expected to be sealed soon when a multi-million pound restoration plan is unveiled.http://a248.e.akamai.net/6/592/1130/0/oas-eu.247realmedia.com/0/default/empty.gif (http://oas-eu.247realmedia.com/5c/icliverpool/news/regionalnews/771824609/x60/default/empty.gif/63336263386439313433343239356330)

Park users fear that up to 500 mature trees and seedlings could be at threat as part of a project to restore the park to its Victorian splendour.

A team of experts drawing up ambitious plans, backed by Lottery funding, admit that a number of trees will have to come down, but say the final number has yet to be decided.

The trees at risk are decayed or dying, pose a health and safety hazard, or are not part of the original park landscape.

A number in front of the Rath-bone monument are earmarked for the axe because they prevent the statue of the famous city benefactor from being seen from the Aigburth Vale end of the lake, as originally envisaged.

A walk-through was held yesterday to enable the team charged with drawing up the plans to hear the views of local organisations and park supporters.

Next month, a public consultation exercise is likely to be held to give the general public a first glimpse of what will happen as part of the £6.5m restoration initiative.

The plans will then be submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for final approval, with work likely to start next year.

The threat to many healthy trees has concerned green-issues activist Lou McVey.

She said: "I was brought up in the Scotland Road area and as children we came to Sefton Park to enjoy the spring blossoms every year and to enjoy the open air. It was a great experience for us to be brought here. Now I live closer to the park but I have no back garden and look upon the park as my own back yard.

"I accept that some of the trees will need to be cut down, but I want to make sure that as many healthy specimens as possible survive. Some have been standing for 50 years and deserve to survive.

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16233781%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26page=2%26headline=scores%2dof%2dtrees%2dface%2da xe%2din%2d%2d6%2d5m%2dsefton%2dpark%2drevamp-name_page.html).....

I've noticed these around Sefton Park in the evening. Bright lasers shining motifs onto the grass, does anyone know about these?

I go jogging by the way :unibrow:

I go jogging by the way :unibrow:

Glad you clarified, my boy! :lol:

What kind of motifs are they, Kev? :confused:

Glad you clarified, my boy! :lol:

What kind of motifs are they, Kev? :confused:

I dont hang around too long - just catch my eye, they are very good though.

Kev, I wonder if this could have anything to do with your sightings?

Posted 29/1/2003

If you were asked to design a piece of art to go on permanent display in Sefton Park, what would you come up with?

That's a question recently faced by five artists in Liverpool, and last week I spent an hour at The Palm House in Sefton Park, looking at a display of the ideas they have proposed.

The one I liked the best, though, was a laser installation, which projects to eight points around the park, the signatures of each of the eight people whose statues stand at the corners of the octagonal Palm House.

I gave it my vote. And the reason I did that was something to do with EXPLORING THE PAST.

It made me think: who are these people whose statues surround the Palm House and whose signatures will light up the park if those lasers are installed?

Source (http://www.johndavies.org/sermons/bcs_03_01_29.html)

Palmhouse Statues (http://www.palmhouse.org.uk/statues.htm)

Hey, perhaps we should start the Liverpool Quiz off again? First Question: name the eight statues... :)

Highland Mary
The Angel's Whisper
Marble Bench
Two Goats
Linnaeus
John Parkinson
Andre Le Notre
Darwin

Crikey, I didn't know you were an historian, just hang on while I check the website.....Correct! er, just a thought, you didn't cheat did you? :)

As if... strange you got them in the correct order though. :lol:

Crikey, I didn't know you were an historian, just hang on while I check the website.....Correct! er, just a thought, you didn't cheat did you? :)

As if... strange you got them in the correct order though. :lol:

Me - a cheat? No me popped into the palmhouse tonite mid jog :) They are filming a TV prog there or a big period film there today.

Yep, last week I spotted them on Tuesday, but couldn't read what they said.

I go round sefton too sometimes Kev. Maybe I'll notice ya there one day.

Yep, last week I spotted them on Tuesday, but couldn't read what they said.

I go round sefton too sometimes Kev. Maybe I'll notice ya there one day.

I'll keep my eye out Max :PDT11

Might be there tommorrow evening.

You've seen what I look like on the members mugshots.:p

Might be there tommorrow evening.

You've seen what I look like on the members mugshots.:p

Eh - now people will be talking :p I'm having a break today (sat) as I'm running the Santa Dash on Sunday, ho ho ho.

Good on yer, Kev, I haven't got a dash in me. Takes me all my time to dash to the pub!

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/nov2005/3/1/00019337-82BF-1385-93C80C02AC1BF824.jpg

Peter Pan returns home

LIVERPOOL'S Peter Pan statue has moved back to its original home in Sefton Park after undergoing restoration work costing £43,000.

The statue has been fully restored and Peter is back to his former glory, along with the variety of animals and fairies which adorn the piece.

Peter's new home is alongside the Palm House in a secure area of the park.

source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16407570&method=full&siteid=50061&headline=peter-pan-back-in-park-after--43-000-restoration-name_page.html)

Glad to hear it's in a secure area,

Peter Pan-tastic! :unibrow:

Eh - now people will be talking :p I'm having a break today (sat) as I'm running the Santa Dash on Sunday, ho ho ho.

Was raining too much today so I only did weights!:sad:

Love weights though! :cool:

Whats this santa dash?

Its a fundraising 'Fun Run' which became a World Record Attempt for Sunday:

http://www.santa-dash.com/

Seems these lasers are still there.

Can you read what they say Kev?

Nope - they are signatures

They look like names but don't know what they say and why they would have peoples signitures beamed onto the park.

A NEW "super" licence to enable festivals to take place in Liverpool's major parks and key areas of the city is being sought.


The annual licence will mean council bosses do not have to make separate applications for every individual event.


Included will be the biggest public parks in the city - Sefton Park, Calderstones and Camp Hill, Otterspool Park and Promenade, The Mystery at Wavertree, Croxteth Park, Walton Hall Park, Stanley Park, Newsham Park and Princes Park.


The city council, with the Liverpool Culture Company, is aiming to obtain the Premises Licence to enable the staging of entertainment across five distinct areas in the city, including the public parks.

The move is a requirement of the recently introduced 2003 Licensing Act. Officials say the new licence is a permission to plan and deliver free and paid-for events over a 12-month period without having to apply one at a time for every individual event, on a time-consuming and expensive case-by-case basis.


Liverpool's Premises Licence Application will cover all streets and public open spaces in Liverpool city centre: inside Upper Parliament Street, Myrtle St, Crown Street Pembroke Place, Hunter Street and Leeds Street. It also covers the Kings dock, Albert dock, Pier Head and the docks to the north of this, up to the city boundary with Sefton.


Even if the licence is granted, event organisers will still have to meet strict criteria overseen by a Safety Advisory Group. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16930752%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26page=2%26headline=council%2dseeks%2dlicence%2dto %2dthrill%2din%2dpark%2dspectaculars-name_page.html)

CRUMBLING monuments could be restored in a multi-million pound facelift for Liverpool's Sefton Park. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17098029%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=fingers%2dcrossed%2dfor%2d%2dpound%2d5m %2dsefton%2dpark%2daid-name_page.html)

CRUMBLING monuments could be restored in a multi-million pound facelift for Liverpool's Sefton Park. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17098029%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=fingers%2dcrossed%2dfor%2d%2dpound%2d5m %2dsefton%2dpark%2daid-name_page.html)

Wouldn't that be great if that happened,I'd love to see the eros fountain put outside the new Kings Dock arena because it would be less likely to be vandalised there.

Would be nice if they took some of that money and used it to patrol the park 24/7 to prevent vandalism.

Yeah.

The lights they stuck in a year or two ago are already get stones thrown at them.

Everyone has memories of this place so perhaps people can share their stories or pictures from there,here's a few of mine.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1310/deer6gl.jpg


http://img311.imageshack.us/img311/1561/gnu1dt.jpg


http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/1332/knowsleyanimals0164rb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9345/buffalo6uk.jpg


http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1165/frogs0339na.jpg


http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5760/frogs110364lh.jpg


http://www.knowsley.com/safari/

I've got a few pics I'll post very soon, thanks Paul :celb (23):

Any Tigers?

Or Gorillas?

Any Tigers?
http://www.safaripark.co.uk/gfx/parkinfoimages/m14pimage3.jpg
Photo courtesy of Knowsley Safari Park @ SAFARIPARK.CO.UK (http://www.safaripark.co.uk/parksinfo/largepic.asp?pic=14pimage3.jpg%20&photodesc=Tiger%20<p>%20</b>Photo%20courtesy%20of%20Knowsley%20Safari%20Park)

See also www.knowsley.com/safari/safarimap/animals/tiger.asp (http://www.knowsley.com/safari/safarimap/animals/tiger.asp)

My pics are staying on my hd, not very good I'm afriad :rolleyes:

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7404/lions7ev.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2722/rhino3jo.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/6761/lizard2si.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/7162/sealion0tw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I don't think they have any Gorillas there? so here's a couple of Lions a Rhino some Lizard or other and a Sealion which have their own show there.:)

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8351/monkey7ml.jpg

Here's one I took when my youngest was a baby,one little monkey staring at another.:)

http://www.safaripark.co.uk/gfx/parkinfoimages/m14pimage3.jpg
Photo courtesy of Knowsley Safari Park @ SAFARIPARK.CO.UK (http://www.safaripark.co.uk/parksinfo/largepic.asp?pic=14pimage3.jpg%20&photodesc=Tiger%20<p>%20</b>Photo%20courtesy%20of%20Knowsley%20Safari%20Park)

See also www.knowsley.com/safari/safarimap/animals/tiger.asp (http://www.knowsley.com/safari/safarimap/animals/tiger.asp)

:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7404/lions7ev.jpg

:PDT_Aliboronz_24: Cat animals rock!

that looks like the wife lion nagging the husband lion !! Ha,ha looks like she's got something to say there ! :D

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/470/ksp14vh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/4233/ksp27oz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/820/ksp35ao.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/2007/ksp50vy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/8804/ksp47cs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here's a couple of various deer and an Emu.:celb (23):

I've never been, but I would like to go very badly. I know the bus route that goes past there.

Is it possible to walk into the park, or do you need a vehicle (I noticed one of the pictures contains a car)? I mean, will they let you walk through the park or is that unsafe?

Also, does anyone know their hours/days of operation, plus the cost for one (1) adult to enter the park?

I've never been, but I would like to go very badly. I know the bus route that goes past there.

Is it possible to walk into the park, or do you need a vehicle (I noticed one of the pictures contains a car)? I mean, will they let you walk through the park or is that unsafe?

Also, does anyone know their hours/days of operation, plus the cost for one (1) adult to enter the park?

I'm afraid you'd need a car,it's basically a 5 mile route that takes you past all the animals and at the end of it there's a small funfair,bug house,sealion show and a farm.There's also your usual amenities like gift shops,cafe's etc sorry.:sad:

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7502/ksp108ap.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This picture is one of my favourites because it's actually a wild bird,it's a picture of an Oystercatcher and they sometimes nest right alongside the road.

I'm afraid you'd need a car,it's basically a 5 mile route that takes you past all the animals and at the end of it there's a small funfair,bug house,sealion show and a farm.There's also your usual amenities like gift shops,cafe's etc sorry.:sad:

Thanks for letting me know. I'd have gone there all happy, set, and prepped, and then not been able to get in! :028:

Think one of my next objectives should be to make friends w/ someone who has a car!!!

I'd have gone there all happy, set, and prepped, and then not been able to get in
... to be eaten by the lions! :noid:

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/5788/ksp80aw.jpg


http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/6083/ksp73tk.jpg


http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/6875/ksp92jj.jpg


http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/1457/ksp68ge.jpg


http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/9716/ksp113pi.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Here's a few more shots of the Lions,a baby Ostrich,a Wallaby and a Deer.Coming soon for 2006 are African Wild Dogs and Red River Hogs.:celb (23):

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/7721/bp54ol.jpg


http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/3453/bp29zc.jpg


http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3900/bp35wn.jpg

An American Bald Eagle


[IMG]http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/1331/bp49ql.jpg


http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/8020/bp96ai.jpg

Hooded Vulture.

This show is well worth a visit,it runs 3 times a day in Summer.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/220/bp19mq.jpg

An African Battleur Eagle.

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/4461/bp63gg.jpg

Black Kite.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5439/bp79wh.jpg

A Tawny Owl.

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/2879/bp88cc.jpg

A Kestrel.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1353/bp128cy.jpg

A Lanner Falcon.

'Restoration' victory for park villa campaigners

COMMUNITIES Minister Ruth Kelly is to force the sale of a row of derelict Victorian villas next to a historic park, against the wishes of Liverpool council.

In one of her first decisions since replacing John Prescott as the minister responsible for housing and planning, Ms Kelly has served notice on Liverpool City Council, meaning it could be forced to sell off the houses.

A letter to residents from then chief executive Sir David Henshaw stated the council had wanted to demolish the villas with money from Mr Prescott's New Heartlands programme.

Residents in Newsham Park had been campaigning to restore the large empty properties owned by the council and housing associations around the Grade II-listed green space.

Jonathan Brown, of Friends of Newsham Park, said the ruling could give hope to communities where publicly-owned land is left in derelict condition.

Residents said the council and housing association's failure to invest in upkeep is holding the area back in the middle of a housing boom.

Mr Brown had uncovered a piece of 1980s Thatcherite legislation known as a Public Request to Order Disposal.

It forces publicly-owned land that is harming the amenity of an area to be sold off to private developers.

This weekend he received a letter saying the new Communities and Local Government Secretary is "minded to agree" to his request, and has given the council notice that she proposes a direction "requiring them to take steps for the disposal of their interest in the land".

It means the council has 42 days to explain why it should keep the land before it is sold.

In a letter to the city solicitor, the Government Office for the North West's Director of Planning Jo Lappin says: "It appears that the land is not being used by the city council for the performance of their functions."

It says Ms Kelly "is not so far satisfied that the city council has any firm plans to sell, develop or bring the land into use within a reasonable timescale."

Mr Brown said "The council and housing associations admit that they have no plans to invest in any of these homes until after 2010. This decade of dereliction is far too long to wait when public property is left in such dangerous condition, blighting a beautiful conservation area.

"The Victorian villas deserve to be restored to help solve the city's housing crisis, and the money from sales 'ring-fenced' to invest back in the neglected historic park." The Friends of Newsham Park have already successfully pressed the council and social landlord Riverside Housing to sell two derelict villas on Judges Drive for £320,000.

Liberal Party councillor Steve Radford last night said: "We are really chuffed. We have been trying to convince the city council to sell or renovate empty council properties in Judges Drive as far back as 1998."

The city and housing association-owned homes around Prescot Drive have been a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

The Daily Post revealed that pupils at the flagship new joint faith Kensington Academy were being chaperoned to and from school after fears the area had become a vice zone.

Last night, a spokesman for Liverpool City Council said: "We have established a working group looking at bringing forward development proposals for the Newsham Park area in order to improve the quality of life.

"The working group is chaired by a local councillor and two of the registered social landlords who own properties in the are also actively involved in helping draw up plans."

adrianbutler@liverpool.com

It's a disgrace that the council are letting these houses rot away because this place is meant to be a "conservation area" can you believe that? Todays ruling is brilliant so I hope this forces them to renovate them,a house along there is where the captain of the "Titanic" lived! can you believe we're not exploiting this,it's criminal.

It's a disgrace that the council are letting these houses rot away because this place is meant to be a "conservation area" can you believe that? Todays ruling is brilliant so I hope this forces them to renovate them,a house along there is where the captain of the "Titanic" lived! can you believe we're not exploiting this,it's criminal.

I never knew that :PDT_Piratz_26:

I never knew that :PDT_Piratz_26:

Could you imagine the Americans not exploiting such an asset,there's should be a "Blue Plaque" on that house and it should be part of a tourist trail,the Titanic is legendary and people would come here for something like that if it was capitalised on,we're so slow to take advantage of things sometimes.:disgust:

The park was one of the first Victorian Parks in Liverpool and was based on designs by Edward Kemp. An aviary was built to house exotic birds but was demolished in the 1930’s, the birds then housed in Sefton Park. There was also a band stand, a boating lake, a fishing lake and five fountains. Newsham Park was used for a lot of sporting events, and there were three bowling greens, two of which still remain. The park has two listed buildings in it, Newsham House and the Seaman's Orphanage.

Liverpool Seamen's Orphan Institution, Newsham Park

Newsham House was built at the end of the 18th century by Thomas Molyneaux. In 1868, it was bought by Liverpool Corporation for £80,000 to become the lodgings for judges in Liverpool.

Queen Victoria and her entourage stayed there on their last visit to Liverpool in 1886. The house was refurbished for her visit and was lit by electric lights. Other visitors to Newsham House included Princess Beatrice in 1886, the Duke of Connaught in 1892 and the Duke and Duchess of York in 1893. The house is still in use as judges' lodgings.

Buffalo Bill also brought his show to the park,more about that below.

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/expats/localhistory/tm_objectid=14465605%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26page=1%26headline=when%2dbill%2dbuffalo%2dcame%2 dto%2dliverpool-name_page.html

I never knew that :PDT_Piratz_26:


I didn't either !

Of course, there should be a Blue Plaque, and as Paul has said - why are we so slow on the uptake !! :shock:

The Americans certainly would promote such a thing.

Those houses surrounding Newsham Park are lovely - like the ones by Sefton Park.

Plans have been unveiled to regenerate a key landmark on Liverpool`s waterfront in time for the capital of culture in 2008.

The city council is considering proposals costing £1.4m to rejuvenate Otterspool Park and Promenade.

The plans aim to make the park and prom a top class destination for local people and tourists.

They include developing the site so it can stage open air performances in the Capital of Culture year 2008.

A new park entrance would be built at Jericho Lane with a new play and fitness area, picnic tables and improved road surfaces.

The scheme will be paid for by the Mersey Waterfront organisation and European cash.

Liverpool council will discuss the plans at an executive board meeting on 16 June.

:celb (23):

source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/5057548.stm)

At last, someone has seen sense, the Garden Festival site should also be given to the people of Liverpool and revamped for people to enjoy along with the Prom.

I think the mixed use plan is a good idea for the GF site with the restoraion of the main park area and a bit of new housing too.

The Council should be ashamed that such a prime site hasnt been touched since 1985 was it? :rolleyes: I would love to see some pics, someone get exploring.

When Otterpool looks good I'll jog aroundit to celebrate.:Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

The first phase of the work, part of the Pride in Our Promenades project, will see the site developed as a major venue for open air performances in 2008 when Liverpool celebrates European Capital of Culture.

The plans include restoring the historic "otters plaque" seating area at the heart of the site, a brand new, welcoming park entrance at Jericho Lane would be created and there would be new play and fitness equipment, new picnic tables, and upgrades to path and road surfaces.

Cllr Berni Turner, executive member for Environment and Heritage, said: "Otterspool park and promenade is a hugely important part of our waterfront, a superb green waterside resource offering, arguably, the best view of the upper estuary.

"These improvements will bring thousands more people to the park, provide a wonderful festival and performance space and create a stretch of shoreline which Liverpool people can be proud of.

" Our ultimate aim is to bring the park and promenade up to Green Flag standard by 2008, and this project will help us do this."

Otterspool Park is hosting a number of open-air performances this year as part of the Liverpool

Performs 2006 celebrations, including the popular Theatre in the Park event.

Cllr Peter Millea, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "This is fantastic news. These improvements would make the park an even more vibrant, attractive place."

This is brilliant news it's about time,I was just thinking the other week what a great place it would be to put a load of picnic tables.All of those seats along the promenade need replacing,what a stunning vista we have at Otterspool.:celb (23):

RE: Newsham Park Area

NEWSHAM Park Hospital could finally be restored after a pledge by its owner.

New proposals are being drawn up for the regeneration of the derelict landmark.

Two newbuildings could also be created on the site.

The development will include family accommodation and affordable housing.

John McKenzie, of Gateway Properties, told yesterday's Stop the Rot meeting he was sorry the hospital had been left decaying.

He said: "I apologise over what's happened. We were going to pass it on to another developer, but that didn't happen.

"I was working abroad, but now I'm spending 100% of my time in the UK, and we've decided to do it ourselves."

What a beautiful building that is its about time that happened,I want to see concrete plans though before I get too excited.

Thousands are expected to watch some of the most famous faces of tennis battle it out at Liverpool's 6 day International tennis Tournament.

This tournament, now in its 5th year, will see local qualifiers play alongside some of the biggest names in tennis, showcasing the tennis talent the region has to offer.

Tennis In Pictures (http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/image_galleries/tennis_01_gallery.shtml)

Day one included play from twenty year old Gemma Bisson from Childwall and local Allerton lad Ken Skupski who beat Argentina's Agustin Calleri in a thrilling match.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/images/2006/06/14/tennis_body_150x200.jpg
Xavier Malisse in action

Vetertan tennis stars Mansour Bahrami, Ilie Nastase, Peter McNamara and Henri Leconte kept the crowds entertained with the Legends Doubles match with play returning to a serious game as Belgium's number 2 Xavier Malisse and Scotland's Jamie Murray, brother of Britain's top seed Andy Murray, took to centre court.

The match had to be abandoned however as referee Alan Mills was forced to suspend play and cover the court as the rain started.

The tournament runs until Sunday and Thursday and will see other famous faces including Wimbledon star Pat Cash and Goran Ivanisevic as they clash on Thursday in what promises to be an exciting match.

Schedules have been altered to accommodate the abandoned games from day one. For up to date play schedules and ticket information visit the tournament website. Liverpool Tennis Website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/liverpool/content/articles/2006/06/14/tennis_feature.shtml/ext/_auto/-/http://www.liverpooltennis.co.uk/)


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The council have applied to have lots of events at our parks leading up to Capital of Culture so we can expect a lot of good events like this in the future.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

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Here's some pictures taken last Spring in our beautiful Sefton Park.:snf (41):

Here's some of Sefton Park taken today plus the wonderful Palm House:

http://static.flickr.com/55/168842548_bc39e2b255.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168842548/)

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Court Hey Park, just off Roby Rd near to Rocky Lane, the home of the National Wildflower Centre (http://www.nwc.org.uk/), I never knew this park existed:

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Excellent Kev that African oye festival was seen by millions around the World this year.

Yes, some pics here (http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1588).

All smashing pics.


I've heard of Court Hey Park but I've never been in it.

A MOBILE police station is to be moved into Liverpool's flagship park after invasions by hundreds of teenage rowdies.

The police "pod" will be used as a makeshift control point in Calderstones Park to combat the problem and fight anti-social behaviour by large groups of youths.

The move follows flash-points last weekend when police, community support officers and city council security staff confronted up to 250 teenagers who had gathered in the south Liverpool park as the international tennis festival took place just yards away.

Many of the young people, some as young as 12, had travelled from as far away as Bootle and Kirkby.

There have been two arrests and three fixed penalty fines issued for disorder offences, Merseyside Police said last night.

Insp Shaun Bradbury, Merseyside Police neighbourhood inspector, said last night: "This problem has arisen because of mobile phones. Young people are texting each other to detail gathering points such as Calderstones Park. Most of the youths are not causing a problem, but there are a minority of potential troublemakers. The large number of young people gathering in the park is intimidating.

"We are working with CityWatch and the council's Youth Service to try to reduce the number of teenagers gathering in large groups. We do not want the parks to become no-go areas for young people, but we will be explaining to them the intimidatory nature of large gangs gathering in the park.

"Our operation will continue for as long as the gangs are gathering there. We would also urge parents to be aware of where their children are going at night and whether they are drinking alcohol."

Police have seized large quantities of alcohol from under-age youngsters, some as young as 12, and a number of youths were searched for drugs.

Last night, council executive member Cllr Dave Antrobus, who heads the community safety directorate, admitted that there had been problems at the park during the past week.

He said: "I am confident that the resources now in place will adequately stem the tide. Anti-social behaviour has definitely increased in and around Calderstones Park, and the obvious concern is that as the summer holidays loom, the situation will get worse.

"Calderstones is one of our best-used parks in terms of public usage and we don't want that to change."

The number of council wardens and police officers has been increased in the area and the police pod will be introduced into the park before this weekend, in readiness for any new invasions by young people.

It is also likely to be in place on other nights if necessary, to help reassure any members of the public who wish to use the park.

The problem of large gangs of teenagers meeting in the parks of south Liverpool started some weeks ago when a heatwave hit Merseyside. The gangs have gathered in other parks, including Camp Hill and Childwall Woods.

In Calderstones, teenage troublemakers are thought to have been responsible for ripping up decorative flower beds and even setting fire to shrubbery.

One regular park user from Mossley Hill said last night: "The teenagers just seemed to arrive out of nowhere and headed for one gathering spot.

"Many of them, aged only about 14, were drinking wine and lager and alcopops. Mostly they were just in high spirits and not causing any damage, but a number of them were menacing. It would only take a simple flashpoint to cause a major problem.

"There were a number of police cars at the scene and I saw one security van chasing after three boys on bicycles and then searching them for drugs. I heard one of the officers say to one of the teenagers that he could smell cannabis on his breath."

One of the big fears is that some of the teenagers could be carrying knives and after drinking binges could potentially become violent.

The police and the city council have powers to issue anti-social behaviour orders on specific areas such as parks to control yobbish behaviour. So far, this move has been avoided but it remains an option.

Cllr Antrobus said: "I would not like to see these orders used to control gangs in parks because it would merely migrate the problem elsewhere. We need more imaginative ways of controlling this, particularly as we head toward the school summer holidays."

THE attraction which started Liverpool's original 20/08 day is hoping hundreds will flock to its doors in 2006.

The National Wildflower Centreat Court Hey Park in Knowsley is giving everyone in Merseyside the chance to get closer to nature on August 20.

The centre is offering free entrance in honour of this year's 20/08 celebrations.

It will also hold a special creative and environmental workshop.

20/08 has been a highlight of Liverpool's cultural calendar since 2003, when the wildflower centre decided to provide free entrance on 20 August - 20/08 - to mark the city's Capital of Culture success.

Liverpool Culture Company extended this idea by asking other organ-isations to make "offers" for the day, and established 20/08 as a yearly opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural life of the city.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: "The National Wildflower Centre made the first ever 20/08 offer back in 2003, so I'm delighted they're still supporting the event four years later.

"It also shows how organisations from across the north west can getinvolved in celebrating our Capital of Culture status.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for groups and businesses to promote themselves while giving people the chance to sample Liverpool's fantastic cultural assets." Places on the centre's creative and environmental workshop are limited, and should be booked in advance on 0151-738 1913.

Continuing the environmental theme, Adlam Road Allotments in Fazakerley are opening their doors on 20/08 to encourage people to grow their own greens.

Allotment members will be laying on activities to launch their growing scheme, including a tour of the site. Children must be accompanied.

The deadline for groups and organ-isations to make 20/08 offers is Friday, July14. Call Catherine O'Brien on 0151-233 4399.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/images/2006/06/26/vid_nation_summer_203x152.jpg (http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/videonation/2006/springwatch_06/index.shtml)

Video Nation: Summer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/videonation/2006/springwatch_06/index.shtml) - Summer is here, despite the weather. Liverpool Ranger Richard Baker finds the signs of summer all around Sefton Park.
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/videonation/2006/springwatch_06/index.shtml)
Watch this video (http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/videonation/2006/springwatch_06/index.shtml)

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A MAJOR £1.4m revamp of a stretch of the South Liverpool waterfront, aimed at attracting tourists in 2008, begins next month.

Over a mile of Otterspool Promenade will get a facelift including grass steps for open air theatre and a space for kite flying. continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17361971%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=otterspool%2dpromenade%2dto%2dget%2d%2d pound%2d1%2d4m%2dfacelift%2dfor%2d2008-name_page.html)...

Well this sounds fantastic,& its great that they've got local people on board.After looking at the photo & reading the article it seems like they should have something to cater for most age groups there.Certainly an improvement & who knows if this can be achieved maybe the "Peoples Panel" idea" could spread citywide & create pride amongst the general public once again.It would be nice if young people could be included in this as well then maybe they would look after things instead of wrecking them.
Does anyone know if the youth of Liverpool will be involved in any future plans like this in the future.

Great to hear they are doing stuff down there.

Otterspool has always been a great place to spend some time with the family so let's hope they do a good job with it,new seating to what is a stunning vista is essential so I'm glad to see this high on their agenda.:PDT_Piratz_26:

Dear all,

I promised some time ago to let you know when I'd learnt how to put photos on my weblog (www.hilaryburrage.com) .... well, at last I've learned!

A number of the themes I've illustrated so far are about Sefton Park and Wavertree Botanics etc. (These are listed in my posting of today; and I'll be doing some more as soon as I have another few free hours.)

If you'd like to take a look, that would be great. Hope you like the pics.

Best,
Hilary

Hi Hilary,i've left you a couple of messages on your site one about Newsham Park.I used to live behind it briefly on Fairfield Crescent around 1993.It really is a true green oasis.I feel privaleged to have lived there & regretted leaving there ever since.Is it true they have now built a college on part of this beautiful park,if so then it's unforgivable.Grade two listed as well.I noticed somewhere that even The Bishop of Liverpool got involved in this as well,although a little misguided if you ask me.How on earth was they able to get away with this.Im sure there must have been a lot of opposition to this at the time.
What about the brown sites surely there must have been somewhere more suitable,im disgusted with the City Council if they forced this on people then they should be ashamed of themselves & i say this as an ex Lib Dem member/supporter.

Hi Hilary,i've left you a couple of messages on your site one about Newsham Park.I used to live behind it briefly on Fairfield Crescent around 1993.It really is a true green oasis.I feel privaleged to have lived there & regretted leaving there ever since.Is it true they have now built a college on part of this beautiful park,if so then it's unforgivable.Grade two listed as well.I noticed somewhere that even The Bishop of Liverpool got involved in this as well,although a little misguided if you ask me.How on earth was they able to get away with this.Im sure there must have been a lot of opposition to this at the time.
What about the brown sites surely there must have been somewhere more suitable,im disgusted with the City Council if they forced this on people then they should be ashamed of themselves & i say this as an ex Lib Dem member/supporter.

Thanks Terry, Yes I've posted your comments - v interesting!
Hope you liked the photos of Sefton Park... was especially pleased with the heron, grebes and cygnets!
What do you think about the Wavertree Botanics situation I mention on the website? Seems very sad to me - am trying to find ways to get things improved.... If anyone woud like to campaign on this, do let me know.
Best,
Hilary
www.hilaryburrage.com

Hi Hilary, when I was a kid Newsham Park was just so beautiful. I go far enough to have used the row boats, before the were destroyed in the early '60's. I even remember the windmill by the small pond. I don't think too many on here would remember that.:celb (23): Walking thru. the gardens alongside Judges drive was an experience to be remembered. It's a shame so many of the parks have been allowed to decay and be taken over by smackheads.

A Liverpool park has won a £5m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The money will be spent on improvements and restoration of existing features at the Grade II listed Sefton Park.

The Aviary cafe will be refurbished to include a park ranger base and educational centre, and the Eros Fountain will undergo a major facelift.

The Victorian glasshouse, the Palm House, has already been restored with a £2.4m HLF grant and the bronze statue of Peter Pan also restored.

The park was designed by Edouard Andre, who designed the Tuileries Gardens in Paris.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41070000/jpg/_41070252_peterpan203.jpg
The Peter Pan statue was restored last December

Other plans include repairing footpaths, restoring all statues and fountains.

The area received £200,000 two years ago which was used to set up a team of landscape architects, tree surgeons, ecologists, engineers and water feature experts to draw up plans to improve the 269-acre site.

Liverpool city council's executive member for environment and heritage, Councillor Berni Turner, said: "We have had our fingers crossed that the HLF would approve the grant. It's fantastic news to be given the green light!

"Sefton Park is one of the city's most popular green spaces and hundreds of thousands of people spend time there every year.

"These new plans will give the whole park a much-needed re-vamp and I'm positive that the improvements will attract even more visitors." HLF's regional manager, Tony Jones said: "We have a long history of support for Sefton Park including £2.4 million to transform the Palm House and we're delighted to be able to extend that commitment with today's announcement." source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/5198610.stm)...

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People playing baseball,cricket,flying kites and relaxing at Otterspool Promenade.

I'm going to the Hub festival later and will post some pics, cheers Paul, lovely snaps of The Prom. The grafitti wall should be a treat! :RAP_1:

POLICE and council wardens have launched a crack-down against a 200-strong gang of teenagers causing trouble in a Liverpool park. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/breakingnews/tm_objectid=17438280%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=crackdown%2dfor%2dpark%2dhellraisers%2d-name_page.html)

200? That's more than a typical Primary School population!!

A record-breaking number of the city's green spaces scooping the national Green Flag award. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/breakingnews/tm_objectid=17436772%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=park%2dtriumph%2das%2dpolice%2dcrack%2d down%2don%2dyobs%2d-name_page.html)

Liverpool is one of the safest cities in the country and the police and Liverpool council are determined to make it even safer by dealing effectively with anti-social behaviour. This type of behaviour is not acceptable in our open spaces.

POLICE and council wardens have launched a crack-down against a 200-strong gang of teenagers causing trouble in a Liverpool park. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/breakingnews/tm_objectid=17438280%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=crackdown%2dfor%2dpark%2dhellraisers%2d-name_page.html)

200? That's more than a typical Primary School population!!

A record-breaking number of the city's green spaces scooping the national Green Flag award. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/breakingnews/tm_objectid=17436772%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=park%2dtriumph%2das%2dpolice%2dcrack%2d down%2don%2dyobs%2d-name_page.html)

Bring back the parkies and let the law abiding majority reclaim the streets!

I don't think too many on here would remember that.
Hey Bobby, d'you remember the aviary next to the ice cream shop, where you could moor your boat and nip up the steps for a bottle of 'pop'? ...and the little shelters in case of inclement weather? ...and the little cast iron water thingummies, with the steel cup on a chain? ...and the immaculate bowling greens, where you could hire a set of 'woods' for ninepence! Aaaah those were the days!

But then the aviary was wrecked and the little shop was burned down, the bowling green hut was broken into and all the 'woods' were stolen. all this long before the smackheads came along. I suppose we always had the problem of kids with bricks for brains, then and now, it's just that it seems to be getting worse. If my memory serves me correctly, the boathouse too was broken into and the boats destroyed. Hence the 'boating lake' without boats — and all this over thirty years ago!

I guess times don't change that much, eh?

Aye Scouse, jogging me memory eh? Yer, the bowling greens were over by the small railway bridge which led to the swings, plots and Sutton St.Many's the time I've 'nipped' up those steps to the little cafe. They sold a mean Ice Cream Soda.:celb (23):
If I remember right the boats met their end about '62 a bunch of skinheads with as much inside their 'eads as there was on the outside.
I imagine the iron drinking thingummys, along with the cups ended up in someones yard. Shame things never change much for the better. Tata.

Have your say about Liverpool's Parks

From the 1st August 2006 you will have an opportunity to tell us what you think (http://www.greenstat.org.uk/) about Liverpool's Parks.

GreenSTAT is a national online database that gives local residents the opportunity to comment on the quality of their local parks and green or open spaces and how well they feel they are being managed and maintained.

GreenSTAT is owned and managed by GreenSpace, an independent national charity working with local authorities and their communities to conserve and improve their public parks and green or open spaces.

Discover Parks (http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Leisure_and_culture/Parks_and_recreation/Parks_and_gardens/index.asp)

Good to see the Garston Coastal Reserve grafitti has been cleared from the stones. Hope it stays off but u know what kids are like :)

Good morning!

I wondered if anyone can help me please?

I've just had a query on my site about the fate of the seventh cygnet. If anyone know what happened to it, perhaps you could post a reply to my piece at http://www.hilaryburrage.com/2006/06/liverpools_sefton_park_swans_herons_and_grebes.php ?

[Also, would of course as ever be pleased to read your commentary on the other parks debates, at http://www.hilaryburrage.com/liverpool/liverpools_parks/ .]

It's really good news that Sefton Park is now very likely to get its HLF money, but I guess we should keep up the pressure to make sure it happens a.s.a.p.!

Thanks and best
Hilary

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Great Max, don't forget to link it back to the original Flickr page.

Did anyone see the recent tv prog about parks & gardens? Not sure what night it was originaly on - we caught up with it on 'Teleport'.
Anyway, Birkenhead park was featured and you seen lots of the park and learned all about it's history and how New York's central park was copied from it.
It was a good program. Saw some other lovely parks around different parts of UK.

Had a nice walk around Clarkes Gardens today. These peaceful gardens feature large open areas of grassland plus the remains of an small children's zoo. It is also the location of *Allerton Hall (The Pub in the Park).

The zoo by the way has been closed for many years. I was lucky enough to visit it when I was a wee small boy :disgust:. What a shame it's in such a state, a restoration is badly needed!! The rest of the park is lovely. Come on LCC, get a grip!!

*Allerton Hall was owned by William Roscoe between 1798 and 1813. During the American Civil War, the house was rented by Charles Prioleau and acted as a refuge for the likes of Raphael Semmes. It was donated to the City of Liverpool in 1926.

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I remember Clake Gardens, I spent many hours there as a kid, it was always clean and tidy, shame to see how it looks now.

@John, you must remember the zoo then? I think it had an aivary in it. The rest of the Park is lovely apart from the old zoo. A gem in need of restoration.

We used to spend all summer up at Clarksies - the aviary was great and it had little rabbits and guinea pigs as well - and a hothouse. There was a sign by the gate saying "No Perambulators" - I never knew what that meant for years - I didn't know it was the "big" word for pram.

We used to ride up on our bikes with some jam butties and spend all day playing and running down the hills at the back of the hall - you could but an ice cream from the little shop. Then I had my wedding reception there in 1985. It was beautiful inside (we booked it for the grounds cos out church is by the gasworks) but it rained all day so all the pics were inside. We still go up there a lot - though there are the usual stupid yobs on motor bikes spoiling it for the kids. It is lovely there.

cos our church is by the gasworks

St. Michael's? Mine too :) I've got a bit of history with that place.

Yup - baptised, confirmed, married - probably come out feet first one day!! And all the kids - last one getting confirmed in November. Good to have history and continuity.

Dya remember the Pirate's grave??

Dya remember the Pirate's grave??

OMW (not to blashpeme :)) yes, yes yes!!!! It is/ was flat on the ground. I remember (can u tell I'm buzzing with excitement?). We used to visit it as kids and wonder........We also used to dare each other to run around the church in the darkness, our pockets full of Wham Bars, He- Man Jellies and Highland Toffe Bars. Them was the days eh? I used to by my sweets from the shop across the rd. Then there was the ghost I saw....

From McFerran's?

About the grave - in the book "Holy Blood and the Holy Grail" there is a picture of a grave very similar - it was the grave of a Master Freemason - I wonder if the one in the churchyard is as well? I showed the picture to the Vicar - Bill - do you remember Mr Letheren, and he was quite interested. There are lots of really interesting graves in there - young cabin boys who drowned in the 17th Century - steeped in history our old church.

From McFerran's?

About the grave - in the book "Holy Blood and the Holy Grail" there is a picture of a grave very similar - it was the grave of a Master Freemason - I wonder if the one in the churchyard is as well? I showed the picture to the Vicar - Bill - do you remember Mr Letheren, and he was quite interested. There are lots of really interesting graves in there - young cabin boys who drowned in the 17th Century - steeped in history our old church.

McFerrans, yes :). Mr Letheren and family I remember, I spent most of my time there though when the other vicar was there who went off to become a Cannon (Robinson?). I'll try and get a pic of the grave soon.

More from Calderstones Park:

http://static.flickr.com/70/229319281_e8e44b1879.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/229319281/)

http://static.flickr.com/71/229319171_7000273e4b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/229319171/)

http://static.flickr.com/57/229318531_b334419dfd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/229318531/)

http://static.flickr.com/85/229318396_f2c71d11b9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/229318396/)

Otterspool Promenade, Liverpool - 9/9/06

http://static.flickr.com/79/238366561_1ee3d8dc8a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/238366561/)

http://static.flickr.com/90/238366393_e01c304956.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/238366393/)

http://static.flickr.com/98/238366278_585439e96d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/238366278/)

http://static.flickr.com/94/238366220_a1f8817ee3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/238366220/)

http://static.flickr.com/81/238366147_881ccab59c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/238366147/)

http://static.flickr.com/91/238366089_2bb374865c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/238366089/)

http://static.flickr.com/88/238365955_2edac09d0c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/238365955/)

Fine pictures, Kev.

:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

Fine pictures, Kev.

:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

Ta lar :PDT_Piratz_26:

Then there was the ghost I saw....

WHAT GHOST??????????

Great Pics of the prom Kev.

I like the 3rd one down of the trees - very arty Kev. :)

WHAT GHOST??????????

We used to dare each other to run around the church in pitch blackness during the dark nights to see how fast we could run it in. Of course we would always bottle out so this one time we all decided to run around in a group of about 6. We were about 10 years of age at the time and I drew the short straw and had to go at the front. This was as bad as going at the back because knowone wants to be left behind do they? :shock:

So there we were, counting down from 10 to 0 several times with a few false starts. Once we finally shot off past where the Vicar's entrance is, we were running very fast with chocolate bars stuffed in our mouths. Peggin' it round we were, suddenly we approached the large doors on the other side of the church, the ones closer to the gass - works wall (remember it was pitch black) when we were greeted by this glowing white 'thing' that shot from the graves into the church through that door which was shut tight and is never used or wasn't when I was kid, it was about the size of a small dog but wasn't.

So we all absolutely cacked ourselves, stopped in our tracks, every piece of chocolate fell out of our open mouths and screaming we ran back the way we came!

Wow...I'm down there a lot when it's dark for different things and I haven't seen anything....wooooooooo....bad enough to drop yer choccy eh??

Sunday 10th Sept. Otterspool this afternoon.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/misc/O.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/misc/Otterspool.jpg

Cheers :) We were down there yesterday :)

Sept 10th. Sefton Park.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/misc/2.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/misc/1.jpg

Sept 10th Sefton Park Palm House.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/misc/palmhouse.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/misc/ph.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/misc/statueph.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/misc/peterpan.jpg

:D Nice one Lindy ;)

LIVERPOOL'S parks could be vandal-free and packed with playgrounds as part of a 10-year masterplan.

The long-term vision for the city's 93 parks :shock: is being planned after a council report found that thousands of people thought they were unsafe.

Pensioners, disabled people and ethnic minorities already give them a wide berth according to the study, which interviewed 4,500 people.

The findings will be put before city chiefs when they discuss the strategy next week.

Council officials today admitted it was "unacceptable" many were put off using parkland because of fears over personal safety and anti-social behaviour.

The city's executive member for environment, Cllr Berni Turner, said: "I'm heartened so many people use our parks and open spaces. However, it's unacceptable some people don't feel safe.

"People's safety is already a high priority and we're determined to work together with our security and grounds partners, police and the community so we can enforce bye-laws and educate people in order to reduce anti-social behaviour."

In June the ECHO revealed how mobile policing units were tackling intimidating gangs of drunken teenagers congregating in Calderstones park.

There has also been a crackdown in Walton Hall park where up to 200 youths were causing misery for nearby residents.

The council's action plan includes increasing the number of Green Flag parks; establishing more "friends of" groups; tackling vandalism; producing a handbook promoting Liverpool's parks and open spaces, and ensuring 94% of people live within 1,000m of a play-ground.

More than £6m is being spent restoring Sefton Park, while some areas such as Childwall woods and fields are being designated local nature reserves. There are also plans to improve access to lakes in the city.

heres a couple of pics of Stanley park palm house

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/robbo176/mixed343.jpg

inside (bars got in the way)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/robbo176/mixed342.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/97/257774640_65cf3a7961_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/82/257774646_d99b97c03c_o.jpg

More on here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70933834@N00/

Thanks Max:PDT_Aliboronz_24:
Never been there nor heard of it before. Just done a google and "borrowed" (http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Leisure_and_culture/Parks_and_recreation/Parks_and_gardens/Greenbank_Park/index.asp)this text for the benefit of the ignorant, such as myself:)

Greenbank Park

History
Close to the borders of Sefton Park lies Greenbank Park with its focal point of the elegant, placid lake.
Park lake

The area was the former home of the Rathbone family, philanthropists through two centuries. The family acquired nearby Greenbank House in 1787 as a holiday house and remained there until 1940. Gradually it became their permanent residence and a venue for many distinguished visitors to Liverpool who "had some special opinion to propagate or philanthropic scheme to advance".

In 1897 Liverpool Corporation entered into an agreement with Mr Rathbone to purchase the piece of land, part of which is now Greenbank Park for the sum of £13,000. The agreement required the corporation to maintain this land as open space or recreation ground for the general public, "but they shall be at liberty to let off the whole or any part of the said land to cricket or other clubs, and to use the lake for boating, skating or other purposes".

In case the corporation was to develop the land, they were charged with maintaining a roadway or pathway to allow public access to the lake and to prevent as far as possible the destruction of trees.

Walled Garden
The park boasts the dual distinction of having the first of the Old English Gardens in Liverpool's parks, and the first Boating Lake. The Walled Garden is all that remains of their estate on the park. Now laid out as an Old English garden, it contains a memorial tablet to the late Mr Michael Kearney, the former Deputy Chairman of the Parks and Gardens Committee, who originated the idea of its design. This garden, once famous for its herbaceous borders, is being restored to reflect its former glory.

The Park
Purchased in 1897 the park is located to the south of Sefton Park, and is bounded by Greenbank Lane and Greenbank Road. The 7.14 hectare park lies within the city's Protected Green Space.

Greenbank Park offers opportunities for both active and passive leisure with an up to date children's playground, football pitches and a well-stocked fishing lake, as well as attractive mature trees and a conservation area. Greenbank Park lake provides the focal point within the park. Visitors are able to fish while enjoying sight of nesting waterfowl and herons. There is a stone bridge at its northern end. The wet area towards this end is used as a conservation area and it is currently proposed that following improvement works with local schools, this will become an outdoor classroom.
Much of the area is open parkland with trees to the perimeter. The wall to the side of the children's playground is a colourful result of a local Graffitti Art project.

It's by the Gym were I lift weights and by my nearest tesco for food too.:celb (23):

Thanks for the pic Max, and Dave, thanks for the history, I was scratching me noggin too.:celb (6):

Thanks Max:PDT_Aliboronz_24:
Never been there nor heard of it before. Just done a google and

Are you saying you have never heard of Greenbank Park?

Are you saying you have never heard of Greenbank Park?
Kev, do you have a braille page for Waterways?

Kev, do you have a braille page for Waterways?
:D

One of Liverpool's Parks I have never been too :rolleyes:, great pics Max. Don't forget to link your images (so you can click on it) back to its 'comments' page like this:

Can you click it? Yes you can! Click it....
http://static.flickr.com/43/83936125_f559d66e75.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/83936125/)

Kev, do you have a braille page for Waterways?

You are obviously not a local.

You are obviously not a local.
LOL!:celb (23):
I'm a great fan of the League of Gentlemen too:PDT_Piratz_26:
"This is a local shop for local people (https://www.thisisalocalshop.com/)" LOL!

http://www.ueastudent.com/ents/entsFeatures/sufilms/adoc.2006-01-11.5936/ents/entsFeatures/sufilms/league

LOL!:celb (23):
I'm a great fan of the League of Gentlemen too

I watched it once for 3 minutes. I didn't like it.

I've been past Greenbank many times but not been right through it.

There is a small park called Reynolds park in the Woolton area, we used to go there now and again, but people always say they havn't heard of it. (Probably people from the north of the city who don't know the area) it's sort of tucked away at the back of a road.

A MULTI-million pound scheme to rehouse Liverpool's 200-year-old tropical plant collection at Calderstones Park has been scrapped. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=calderstones-plan-scrapped%26method=full%26objectid=18105497%26sitei d=50061-name_page.html)

A MULTI-million pound scheme to rehouse Liverpool's 200-year-old tropical plant collection at Calderstones Park has been scrapped. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=calderstones-plan-scrapped%26method=full%26objectid=18105497%26sitei d=50061-name_page.html)

Hi Kev

Sad to hear, Kev. And what is the situation in regard to the public viewing the historic prehistoric Calderstones? At one time they were set up in a small circle in the greenhouse at Harthill next to Calderstones Park but last I saw some years ago the panes of that conservatory were broken as the place stood vandalized and I believe the standstone boulders with their prehistoric carvings removed by the Corporation for safekeeping.

Chris

Hi Kev

Sad to hear, Kev. And what is the situation in regard to the public viewing the historic prehistoric Calderstones? At one time they were set up in a small circle in the greenhouse at Harthill next to Calderstones Park but last I saw some years ago the panes of that conservatory were broken as the place stood vandalized and I believe the standstone boulders with their prehistoric carvings removed by the Corporation for safekeeping.

Chris

Hi Chris
I always wonder where the Calderstones are.
They should be on display somewhere. We at least have a right to see them!!:neutral:

Hi Chris
I always wonder where the Calderstones are.
They should be on display somewhere. We at least have a right to see them!!:neutral:

Why aren't they in the museum on William Brown Street or in the new museum at the Pier Head?

Chris

Hallo all,

Quick note to say if you're interested in Sefton Park, maybe you have a view on the mild weather and what's happening as a result of it? I've tried to look at a few aspects of this in my latest blog (22.12) on the website: www.hilaryburrage.com

Have a good Christmas (or indeed Solstice) and a great New Year!
Hilary

Hallo all,

Quick note to say if you're interested in Sefton Park, maybe you have a view on the mild weather and what's happening as a result of it? I've tried to look at a few aspects of this in my latest blog (22.12) on the website: www.hilaryburrage.com

Have a good Christmas (or indeed Solstice) and a great New Year!
Hilary

Hello Hilary

You have a fine website. Thanks for directing us to it. I enjoyed the photographs and information about Sefton Park. Excellent work.

All the best for the season

Chris

got a great book about Sefton Park yesterday.

Will post some bits and pieces in the next few days.:)

A SECRET history of Liverpool's parks is to be revealed in a new book.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool have investigated events in the city's parks and open spaces in the past 200 years.

It is hoped the work will lead to funding for a three-year project examining the problems facing the parks and the way they are used today.

Associate researcher Dr Katy Jones said: "Sefton was, and still is, the jewel in the crown. It was the most complete of all the parks - although none were ever really finished. continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=passion-for-city%2Ds-parks%26method=full%26objectid=18398371%26siteid=5 0061-name_page.html)......

* LIVERPOOL'S first park covered the whole of Toxteth. Although actually an ancient hunting ground, with gamekeepers for the gentry, people throughout the city used it as a common until the 18th century.

* The Adelphi hotel stands on the site of the city's first pleasure gardens, where people paid to walk through the ornamental gardens and concerts were held.

* A scandal rocked one private gardens, now the site of the University of Liverpool, after a resident who did not want to pay copied the key and gave it out to strangers.

Half a million visitors enjoy the Palm House (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=half-a-million-visitors-enjoy-the-palm-house%26method=full%26objectid=18433178%26siteid=5 0061-name_page.html) - THE story of the Sefton Park Palm House is a reflection of Liverpool's rise and fall - and rise again. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=half-a-million-visitors-enjoy-the-palm-house%26method=full%26objectid=18433178%26siteid=5 0061-name_page.html)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/328292824_be5f62363d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/328292824/)

This photo was taken by a friend (John Derbyshire).

Went for a walk around Stanley Park today...

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0714.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0704.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0698.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0700.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0696.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0694.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0708.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0712.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0713.jpg

It's thirsty work!...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/itsmma/DSCF0711.jpg

Great pics Mark:)

I love Stanley park. its a shame to see it go to waste. i wonder how much will be lost to the football stadium.

Great pics, I've never been inside Stanley Park, Looks like it was very impressive, it's a shame it has been let go like that. :037:

Superb pics, keep up the good work peeps :handclap::handclap::handclap::handclap::handclap: :handclap::handclap::handclap:

Brilliant pics folks. I tried to get into the Stanley Park Palm House a couple of months back, but it's well secured and boarded up. About 10 years ago, I managed to gain access through a broken window.

http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/stanleypark/palmhouse2.jpg

http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/stanleypark/palmhouse3.jpg

http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/stanleypark/palmhouse5.jpg

All of those buildings in Stanley park ,including the bridge,are Grade II listed.Shame.

These are the new railings going up at Otterspool Promenade
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/3088/railingsotterspooliy1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The new pathway that's being constructed
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8428/newpavementotterspoolpk5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Also a new entrance is going to be created by Jericho Lane,new benches are on their way and a childrens playground looking out over the Mersey which is well advanced,a definite improvement all round.:celb (23):

I saw all that yesterday too Paul, looks a mess at the moment.

[QUOTE=Kev;32164]A SECRET history of Liverpool's parks is to be revealed in a new book.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool have investigated events in the city's parks and open spaces in the past 200 years. End quote


Don't forget that much neglected city park, that associated with St James Church, Toxteth. The council took it over a 100 years ago in a road widening scheme and have done little since. It was supposed to have ornimental gardens in a similar manner to St Nicholas, Pier Head. Never happened of course and now it's a disgrace. Even the boundary wall is falling down. I presume the bodies are still in the ground but most of the grave stones were removed.

that is really interesting and also very very sad.
I had no idea about the council taking over the 'park'.
i would love to see this church and grounds restored.
do you know where the grave stones were moved to?

A NEW £160,000 children’s play area is planned for Stanley Park. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=%2Dpound%2D160%2D000-park-playground-is-a-kid%2D%2D8217%2Ds-dream%26method=full%26objectid=18575466%26siteid=5 0061-name_page.html)

Long as they have Tarmac on the ground I don't mind landing on my head falling off the swings again.

I fell on my head once and It didn't hurt falling on Tarmac!:eek:

A NEW £160,000 children’s play area is planned for Stanley Park. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=%2Dpound%2D160%2D000-park-playground-is-a-kid%2D%2D8217%2Ds-dream%26method=full%26objectid=18575466%26siteid=5 0061-name_page.html)

I took my daughter on Sunday to play on the playground but when we got there all there was there was a pile of scrap metal :disgust:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/robbo176/mandys103.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/robbo176/mandys102.jpg

Sefton Park this morning:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/382892655_5b5933de2f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/382892655/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/382893593_6ebf3c3e45.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/382893593/)

Check out the panorama shots: here (http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showpost.php?p=38459&postcount=109)

Sefton Park this morning:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/382892655_5b5933de2f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/382892655/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/382893593_6ebf3c3e45.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/382893593/)

Check out the panorama shots: here (http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showpost.php?p=38459&postcount=109)


great photos kev:)

Hi Hilary, when I was a kid Newsham Park was just so beautiful. I go far enough to have used the row boats, before the were destroyed in the early '60's. I even remember the windmill by the small pond. I don't think too many on here would remember that.:celb (23): Walking thru. the gardens alongside Judges drive was an experience to be remembered. It's a shame so many of the parks have been allowed to decay and be taken over by smackheads.

Bobby
I have just joined the site.
Newsham Park was my local park along with Shiel Park.
Yes I remeber the old windmill at the top end of the boating lake and the small modeling lake. I often wondered what happend to the windmill.
I can also remember the USofA army lads at the main entrance to the park and the anti-aircraft guns in the park. As kids we would go down to the main gate (Tuebrook/West derby road & Shiel road) and ask the soldiers for chewing gum.
Not been to the park for a few years now. (note to self :- must get out more)
Phredd = never could spell Fred

Princes' Park had a couple of unique 'secrets'...the tunnel (obliterated by the development at Park Nook) and the grave of Judy the Donkey. As it's quite hard to find, here's a pic with some background to help locate the grave. Or if you want a bit of fun, just ask someone to try and find it in the Park. (I've know people walk right past it and still not see it).
I have an early memory that there used to be raillings around the grave.
Judy gets a brief mention in one of Tom Slemens (him again) stories, published in the Liverpool Echo (a couple of years ago).
Pic from Feb 2004. The inscription is at Toxteth.net:
http://www.toxteth.net/places/liverpool/parks/princes%20park%202.htm

Bobby
I have just joined the site.
Newsham Park was my local park along with Shiel Park.
Yes I remeber the old windmill at the top end of the boating lake and the small modeling lake. I often wondered what happend to the windmill.
I can also remember the USofA army lads at the main entrance to the park and the anti-aircraft guns in the park. As kids we would go down to the main gate (Tuebrook/West derby road & Shiel road) and ask the soldiers for chewing gum.
Not been to the park for a few years now. (note to self :- must get out more)
Phredd = never could spell Fred

Phred, ya just dated ya self. Lol. I can't recall the U.S. army lads, or the guns.
Tho. the rec down on the corner of Townsend Ave. and Richard Kelly Drive was a storage place for war equipment, and I do remember them.:handclap:

Phred, ya just dated ya self. Lol. I can't recall the U.S. army lads, or the guns.
Tho. the rec down on the corner of Townsend Ave. and Richard Kelly Drive was a storage place for war equipment, and I do remember them.:handclap:

The guns were AA guns. They were in most parks at that time.
Also there was a tank depot on Breckside Park off Lower Breck Road.
As for dating myself :lol: the grey cells only work part time these days.

Phredd

Princes' Park had a couple of unique 'secrets'...the tunnel (obliterated by the development at Park Nook) and the grave of Judy the Donkey. As it's quite hard to find, here's a pic with some background to help locate the grave. Or if you want a bit of fun, just ask someone to try and find it in the Park. (I've know people walk right past it and still not see it).
I have an early memory that there used to be raillings around the grave.
Judy gets a brief mention in one of Tom Slemens (him again) stories, published in the Liverpool Echo (a couple of years ago).
Pic from Feb 2004. The inscription is at Toxteth.net:
http://www.toxteth.net/places/liverpool/parks/princes%20park%202.htm

Thanks so much for that pic.
I dont live that far away from the park, but havent been in a year or so.
I used to put flowers (that id picked in the park) on the donkeys grave every time I went to the park when I was a kid.
Lovely memories.:)

Very nice photos Kev. I've gotta get there more often :)

Very nice photos Kev. I've gotta get there more often :)

Everyone must to go Sefton Park more often.:PDT_Aliboronz_24: :Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

Reynolds Park Woolton.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c60/gedfleming/L1040785.jpg


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c60/gedfleming/L1040729.jpg

Very interesting pics, Gerard! Thanks!

Chris

The restoration of Stanley Park will include the repair and restoration of the park's structures including bridges, walls, pavilions and the park lodge.

Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6398483.stm)

The improvements to Otterspool coming along nicely:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/417945657_67fbf7a217.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/417945657/)

The National Wildflower Centre in Huyton, a charity which is the only one of its type in the UK, has spent thousands of pounds repairing vandalism in recent months.

Now centre bosses have warned the attraction could shut if insurers refuse them cover due to the costly repairs.

Thugs have even smashed the same conservatory window at the visitor centre, which costs £8,000 to repair, twice in seven days.

Operations manager Lucinda Antal was closing up for the day at 5.30pm on Tuesday when she saw teenagers hurling rocks at the conservatory. continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=yobs-could-close-wildflower-centre%26method=full%26objectid=18859851%26siteid= 50061-name_page.html).....

http://static.flickr.com/44/168842328_18ef8d93b3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168842328/)

http://static.flickr.com/66/168843810_aa784ca8e2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168843810/)

http://static.flickr.com/72/168842480_32010b6a6a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168842480/)

http://static.flickr.com/68/168842196_a424645c2b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168842196/)

http://static.flickr.com/73/168842257_7e16059b2e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168842257/)

http://static.flickr.com/66/168878774_bc67d78f6c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168878774/)

http://static.flickr.com/52/168878275_37cc492f51.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168878275/)

http://static.flickr.com/46/168878406_bd65ed4eeb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168878406/)

http://static.flickr.com/48/168878657_65f69de4d8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/168878657/)

11th April 2007

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/239/455330941_6ab9c3bee9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/455330941/)
^^Scroll across^^

Excellent pics, Kev. :handclap: :handclap: :handclap: :handclap:

Chris

Thanks Chris, I'll post a few more later:)

From yesterday:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/456414782_cd0f4af919.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/456414782/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/456411690_c3e7e4cf34.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/456411690/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/456427215_2dd1e8953f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/456427215/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/253/456414274_61c4e19d2c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/456414274/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/456428437_8f70584dee.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/456428437/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/455295443_9807a7b904.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/455295443/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/455294515_5565321d6c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/455294515/)

great pics Kev sooo cute :PDT11

great pics Kev sooo cute :PDT11

I'm getting all broody.

Must get another dog! :)

I'm getting all broody.

Must get another dog! :)

dogs are a lot cheaper:PDT11

I have noticed that the original victorian railings are in a very bad state and was wandering if anyone knew if they are going to be repaired anytime soon.
I ask this because I have noticed that the park on west derby road as you come out of town at the junction with everton road has recently had its railings repaired and repainted. Just a shame about the rest of the park which is completely bare.

Kev, blinkin' lovely !!


Great photos :handclap:

LOTTERY cash is needed to kickstart a £5m dream of turning a rundown park into one of Liverpool’s most popular attractions. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=lottery-hopes-in-%2Dpound%2D5m-park-dream%26method=full%26objectid=18909932%26siteid=5 0061-name_page.html)

THE finishing touches are being put to the £1.7m makeover of Liverpool’s Otterspool promenade and “sneak” visitors are already giving a thumbs-up to the dramatic transformation. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=it%2D%2D8217%2Ds-otterly-fantastic-%2D-%2D-%2D-that%2D%2D8217%2Ds-our-view-of-new%2Dlook-prom%26method=full%26objectid=18916424%26siteid=50 061-name_page.html)

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/article/11859916.jpeg


The riverside promenade, created out of what was the city’s biggest refuse tip, is now home to a children’s play area, a gym challenge course and an impressive Sitting Bull sculpture which was rescued from the former International Garden Festival site.


Pics please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Sefton Park today. The Sky was too cloudy and hazy for me so I did flower pics instead.:PDT_Aliboronz_11:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/462770323_a4e053f966.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxmolyneux/462770323/)

Hi Kev & Max

Great pics, both. Also wonderful news about the renovation plans for Otterspool.

Chris

I went to see St Georges Hall today, which is amazing, but I was amazed to read on one of the information boards that the old hospital in newsham park was originally built as judges lodges in the mid 1800s, and during its last days of use Queen Victoria actually stayed there!

Spent the day at Otterspool. The kids play park is now open and the kids are enjoying it.
The day was spoilt by needing a toilet for the Lady. Not one to be found. It seems to be a city-wide problem:-
Sefton Park = None that I can find:disgust:
Newsham Park = again, none that I can find.:disgust:
Otterspool Prom = ? need I go on:disgust:
Stanley Park ???
and what about all the other parks ??
We now have to plan our days out on toilet locations.:disgust:

Leaves me wondering what the millions of visitors will do in 2008 if they visit a park in the city. (Incopads and Percy Payne bags on sale here):)

Phredd

Spent the day at Otterspool. The kids play park is now open and the kids are enjoying it.
The day was spoilt by needing a toilet for the Lady. Not one to be found. It seems to be a city-wide problem:-
Sefton Park = None that I can find:disgust:
Newsham Park = again, none that I can find.:disgust:
Otterspool Prom = ? need I go on:disgust:
Stanley Park ???
and what about all the other parks ??
We now have to plan our days out on toilet locations.:disgust:

Leaves me wondering what the millions of visitors will do in 2008 if they visit a park in the city. (Incopads and Percy Payne bags on sale here):)

Phredd

Well said! I've got a mate who is diabetic and is on lots of tablets. When he has to take a leek, he has to take a leek and usually it can be by the nearest pub. However, if you are taken short in a public area and the police caught you watering the bushes, could you take the City Council to court to say that x amount of Facilities in Liverpool are locked up and therefore you had no-where to go. It would be interesting to see if there has ever been a legislation of every district in Liverpool having to have their own public toilets - Wavertree - locked up, Childwall - demolished, behind St George's hall - locked