Victoria Park revamp gets go-ahead

Stafford's Victoria Park will receive its long-awaited revamp after the plans were approved.

At a special planning committee meeting yesterday, councillors gave the £2.5million scheme the go-ahead.

It will bring a string of improvements and enhancements, first put to the public in a consultation last year.

But it had received opposition, with more than 1,000 people protesting against the pulling down of a cafe kiosk.

The proposal will see the aviary replaced and relocated toward the training building in the park.

A new maintenance depot will be built along with an education centre for up to 20 students.

The bowls pavilion will be redecorated, toilet block refurbished and the thatch replaced on the thatched shelter.

The amphitheatre will be linked to a new cafe, which will replace The Kiosk.

Refurbishment will also be carried out on the park's bandstand.

The revamped park could be used for more outdoor events and a park liaison officer could be employed to work with local groups and volunteers.

The plans for the site were originally unveiled back in July when they went out for public consultation. After receiving a majority of positive responses, the council is now pressing ahead with the plans.

Councillor Bryan Cross, who chaired the meeting, said: "What they are trying to achieve is to enhance what is already the jewel in the crown.

"The play facility in the town centre has been one of the best investments the council has made, now we have this, and I hope it will be more of the same."

On the opposition to pulled down and replace The Kiosk, a petition with more than 1,000 signatures was handed to the council.

But Councillor Cross said: "There is nothing stopping the operator taking over the new cafe, we are not committed to anyone else."