Work has begun to improve links between Greasbrough’s green spaces as part of a £4 million package to restore pride in the borough’s towns and villages.
The project is the first of 23 schemes to be implemented across the borough over the next two years as part of Rotherham Council’s pledge to invest in smaller towns and village centres as part of its Towns and Villages Fund (TVF).
The Greasbrough scheme will link two well-used green spaces; Green Flag Award winning Greasbrough Park and the nearby Recreation Ground with the creation of a new green corridor.
The new development will be named ‘Brimmagen Fold’, which is based on historic mapping, and will include a new feature entrance with seating, widened footpaths to improve accessibility, tree planting and railings to deter vehicles from entering the green space.
The works will also make better use of the currently underutilised green space between the two sites to make trips between the park and recreation ground safer and more pleasant for visitors.
The TVF money has been specifically earmarked for areas of the borough which are not being supported through national Government funding schemes, such as Levelling up and Towns Fund monies.
Since the Council funding was confirmed, local councillors have been working with their communities to draw up a wish list of sites they want to see improved.
Councillor Sarah Allen, Deputy Leader and Member for Greasbrough Ward, said: "In their role as community champions, our members have been engaging with the local community to identify the parts of the ward that could benefit from this scheme.
“The improvements will not only enhance these much loved and well used green spaces, but better accessibility as a result of the new link will mean both local residents and visitors can visit both areas easily.”
In total, the Council is working towards implementing 23 separate schemes of a similar scale across the borough over the next two years.
TVF money is also being set aside for larger scale improvements on Maltby High Street, which it is hoped can be used to lever in further external funding.
