'Pocket parks' open in bid to boost wellbeing

The park at Samuel Street, which includes a play area, is one of two new pocket parks opened in Crewe

Two new "pocket parks" have been established in Crewe as part of a wider regeneration scheme.

The sites, on Lime Tree Avenue and Samuel Street, include new play areas and improved footpaths, and the park at Lime Tree Avenue also includes an outdoor gym.

Pocket parks are small areas of public green space which people can use to relax, exercise, socialise and play, according to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The council says its programme will provide eight new pocket parks in all across the town, with six completed so far.

They form an investment of £1.3m from the government's Towns Fund.

"The revitalisation of these parks has seen significant improvements providing more accessibility for residents in these important community spaces," said councillor Michael Gorman, chair of the authority's economy and growth committee.

"Pocket parks are places where we have created more attractive and better-equipped areas for people to spend time, play and enjoy physical activity.

Simon Yates, vice chair of Crewe Town Board, said the final two parks - at Valley Park and Westminster Street – would be completed in the summer.

"Pocket parks are brilliant community projects to be involved in and I know that Crewe residents are very proud of them," he said.