Vandals fail to deter park fund-raisers

A vandalism attack has failed to deter volunteers from showcasing their neighbourhood park.
Pat Hawkins, Alan Hawkins, Coun Alistair Humphreys,Phil Morton (standing) and Coun Christian Cox at Louie Horrocks ParkPat Hawkins, Alan Hawkins, Coun Alistair Humphreys,Phil Morton (standing) and Coun Christian Cox at Louie Horrocks Park
Pat Hawkins, Alan Hawkins, Coun Alistair Humphreys,Phil Morton (standing) and Coun Christian Cox at Louie Horrocks Park

Community leaders were dismayed earlier this year when a small fire damaged one of three benches which had been installed in Louie Horrocks Park in South Shore.

But they raised funds to replace the bench which has arrived just in time for the park’s fun day this Sunday.

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The fun day will include donkey rides, a dog show, origami workshops, police bike coding sessions and much more.

It is aimed at raising more awareness for the park on Lytham Road and will begin at 12 noon.

Having originally been funded by ward councillors, as well as the area forum and the park’s friends group, three benches were installed in the park to help make the area nicer for picnic-goers, while two of the benches were specifically designed to be accessible to wheelchair users.

Unfortunately, one of the benches was destroyed in a fire earlier this year.

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As a result, the Friends of Louie Horrocks Park raised enough money for Blackpool Council to install a brand new bench with an accessible concrete path leading up to the edge of it.

Pat Hawkins, Chairman of the Friends Group said: “We’ve had some positive feedback and the veterans at the limbless veterans’ charity Blesma have been very receptive.”

Squires Gate ward councillor Alistair Humphreys said: “While Coun Cox and my predecessor Doug Green were involved in getting the first bench installed, I was happy to pursue for the replacement to be installed.”

The park is based on Lytham Road, just south of the junction with Highfield Road.