For many locals, memories of times past, relaxing there with a sandwich or the paper, meant that the garden had never been forgotten.
But, abandoned and crumbling for nearly forty years, it has taken the determined efforts of local residents and a lot of fundraising to transform the overgrown eyesore.
“Three years ago, we decided to do something about it,” says Ken Barstow, secretary of the Stubshaw Cross residents’ group.
“The result – after a lot of hard work – is a heritage garden which helps to celebrate our local history and culture.”
Centred around an impressive wooden cross, the garden is modern looking but strongly recalls its roots.
The walls are decorated with images from local history – including wartime planes and colliery pitheads. There are places to sit, new trees and attractive flower beds.
The plans, costing more than £80,000, impressed several funding agencies, with the head of the heritage lottery fund in the north west, Sara Hilton, praising the commitment of the group: “Our green spaces are a precious resource, but time takes its toll and many need a helping hand to be restored to former glory.”
The results have also won praise from the council’s Borough in Bloom team, who presented Ken and his group with a special award for their work at a town hall ceremony.
The residents’ next project is a heritage trail and country walk, with a local history DVD promised in the near future.
Get involved: contact Ken Barston on 01942 272605 or by email Ken Barston
