Ranger recruitment part of plan to breathe new life in to Stourbridge's Mary Stevens Park

The work will include the creation of a new cafe and restoration of the bandstand.

Improvements would also be made to the Heath Pool to include a viewing platform, and the renovation of the war memorial.

A grant to fund the scheme has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It includes £144,000 to cover staffing and activities for three years.

Some of this cash is being used to fund the heritage ranger post. They will be responsible for increasing the number of visitors to the park, in particular attracting more older people and people with disabilities.

The new recruit will also work on a new and expanded programme of events and activities for all ages, primarily focussing on the history and heritage of the park.

They will be involved in maximising the use of the newly restored features including the bandstand, tea gardens, war memorial, Heath Pool and natural green space areas, as well as increasing the involvement of volunteers.

Wildlife surveying and nature conservation tasks will also be carried out on site by volunteers.

The council's cabinet member for human resources, Councillor Gaye Partridge, said: "Funding is available for training and development of volunteers, who will be working on developing the park archive, supporting schools' work, developing guided walks and surveying and monitoring visitors.

"Part of the match funding for the project will be based on volunteer time contributed to the project, which will amount to the equivalent of £9,200 or 185 days over the three years."

As part of the overall project, the main Grade II listed gates will be restored to their former glory. Residents and councillors have long campaigned for them to be spruced up because the brick and ironwork has been showing signs of decay.

A 'graffiti shelter' for teenagers will also be restored. It provides a display area for 'the creative production' of graffiti within the park.

New footpaths will also be created.