Residents of Moorclose, Workington have double the reason to celebrate; not only have they got their own multi-use leisure facility - the Community Green, but the people behind the idea have now won an award for their efforts, including a cash prize which will help to fund other improvements in the area.
Moorclose Community House Group have received prize money of £750 after being awarded 3rd place in the Montgomery Community Awards, recently launched by Harvest Housing Group, parent company of local social landlord, Derwent & Solway Housing Association.
The awards are designed to give something back to the people within all of the organisation’s neighbourhoods, and to recognise those who have made a real difference to the lives of others.
The Moorclose Community House Group are one such example, nominated for an award by Derwent & Solway Neighbourhood Regeneration Officer, Anne Armer, for creating the Moorclose Community Green, an area transformed from wasteland after the demolition of a number of houses, to a thriving recreational area for the whole community to enjoy.
Commenting on her decision to nominate the Moorclose Community House Group, Anne Armer says:
“The Community Green has made such a difference to our residents in Moorclose. Thanks to the vision, dedication and hard work of the residents group throughout the duration of the project there are now activities and facilities available to everyone and I am delighted that the tremendous achievements of this project have been recognised.”
Since construction work began in August 2003, after 2-years in planning, The Community Green is now complete and a great success.
1200 new trees, including 46 semi-mature trees dedicated to people by local people, have been planted along with other wild flowers and shrubs, creating an attractive and tranquil environment.
A large area designated for community events couples as a kick-about area complete with large sports wall. A small BMX track provides a challenge for cyclists while younger children are catered for by lots of interesting play equipment.
There is also an exciting ‘mud monster’, a tiled mosaic designed and created by pupils from Technology College, and a very popular teen shelter.
The £750 awarded to Moorclose Community House Group will go towards re-siting an under-5s play area from the rear garden of Community House to the Community Green. Moorclose residents felt it should be moved to ensure the Green provides activity for all ages, where the whole family, young and old, can enjoy the facilities together.
The Community Green is funded by The Countryside Agency, Cumbria County Council, Allerdale Youth Panel, NWDA Urban Renaissance Commission, Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest, SRB, ESF, Barclays Sitesavers, Shell Better Britain Campaign, Esmee Fairburn and Cumbria Woodlands, with Allerdale Borough Council contributing to the lease and upkeep of the facility.