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Park loses its plea for Lottery cash
Plans to redevelop Clare Country Park have suffered a setback after a bid for National Lottery funding was refused.
A major overhaul of facilities at the park expected to cost £441,000, will now have to be put on hold for two years according to Park Ranger John Law.
The bid for £313,00 to English Heritage was refused on the grounds that it was too commercial, with too much emphasis given to tea room facilities.
But Mr Law said the plans included a complete refurbishment of the interpretation facilities to make them more interactive, new history boards and a new centre for educational visits. New toilet facilities, information kiosk and a park office were also included in the plans.
Mr Law said "We've had this visitor centre for the past 15 years and it is getting shabby and out of date so we need to get to grips with that". He added that visitor surveys highlighted a need for a refreshment area, something that the park does not currently have. "It's a pity because all country parks have refreshment facilities. We will work with English Heritage to have another go, but we may have to go elsewhere if they refuse the bid again".
The bid represented 71 percent of the overall cost. The remaining 29 percent was to include £45,000 from Suffolk County Council's modernisation fund, £23,500 form the Suffolk Environmental Trust landfill tax credit scheme and £2,000 from St Edmundsbury Borough Council for a feasibility study. This is on top of £16,000 from the park's own budget.
Story By: Rachael Doeg
Date : 17-05-2001
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