Work gets under way on the people’s park

1:10pm Friday 25th April 2008

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CAMPAIGNERS who won a slice of £7.8 million will see their dreams realised as renovation work starts on a Calne park.

Castlefields Canal and River Park Association went head-to-head with a Gloucestershire group on ITV show The People's Millions in November.

After weeks of campaigning, the action group picked up the most votes and received a cheque for £68,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

On Monday the big moment came when work finally started on the project to create an inner town oasis.

The scheme includes new footpaths, new seating and more greenery.

Secretary of the Castlefields group Tim Preece said: "This is a very exciting moment for us because we have waited so long to see our dreams realised.

"It was a fantastic moment when we found out we had won the People's Millions but to see the money being used will be amazing.

"At the moment we have only seen the design on paper so no one knows what the park will look like when its finished.

"The whole idea behind the plan was to create a place in the centre of Calne where people can go and relax in beautiful surroundings."

The work on Castlefields will last two months and North Wiltshire District Council, which owns the land, said some routes would be closed although the entrance to the park would stay open. The council has also pledged to help the group clear drains and make path surfaces clearer.

Leader of the council Dick Tonge congratulated the group on its success.

He said: "It is really great news for Calne that work is starting on Castlefields.We are pleased to support the group and hope the park will be a success. At North Wiltshire we are always keen to help and support community groups."