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By Andrew Brown
Developer contributions from the Pinewood Park housing development are helping fund a series of improvements at Duke Street Park, with the first upgrades now complete.
The first phase of improvements at Duke Street Park in Formby has now been completed, with a new pedestrian path and a colourful mural transforming part of the popular community park.
The work forms part of a wider programme of upgrades being delivered through funding from Sefton Council, Formby Parish Council and local ward councillors.
The newly widened path, which runs alongside Duke Street, has been designed to make it easier and safer for people walking through the park.
More improvements are set to follow in the coming months. Plans include a new nature trail featuring wildlife habitats such as bug hotels, designed to encourage biodiversity and help local insects thrive.
Students from Formby High School have also worked alongside local artist Holly Bushnell to create a vibrant mural on the park's changing rooms. The artwork celebrates Formby's wildlife and natural environment, drawing inspiration from the area's green spaces and coastline.
The park's children's play area is also due to receive new equipment, while upgraded CCTV will be installed to improve security for visitors.
Part of the project has been funded through Section 106 developer contributions linked to the Pinewood Park housing development. These are payments developers make to help improve local infrastructure and community facilities to offset the impact of new housing.
The same funding has already been used to improve the play area at Alt Road Park.
Additional funding has come from councillors representing Formby East and Formby West, together with Formby Parish Council. Local volunteers, who regularly help care for the park, also played a role in shaping the improvement plans.
Councillor Joanne Williams, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:
"Parks are a precious resource for Sefton, both as a place for people to meet and stay active, and as an important part of our natural landscape.
"I'm delighted that Duke Street Park, which is such an important part of Formby, is getting these improvements which are sure to be a big hit with residents and visitors.
"It is great that the Section 106 money secured from the Pinewood Park development has allowed some really exciting improvements to take place both here and at Alt Road Park, ensuring that local people feel the benefits."
Source: Sefton Council
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