LAND behind Birkenhead Library has been transformed into a community ‘pocket park' that was officially opened today.

It features an informal seated ampitheatre area for children's shared reading and drama performances, sheltered by sail cloth 'roofing' so that it can be used in all weathers.

Organisers aim to make the area a peaceful haven for reading and relaxing.

It was opened by Birkenhead MP Frank Field during a ceremony this morning, prior to access opening for the public and local schoolchildren.

Wirral Globe:

Frank Field MP, Cllr Ann McLachlan, with council staff during the opening of 'pocket park' in Birkenhead. Picture: Geoff Davies

The project has been led by Birkenhead Constituency Committee, working in partnership with the Friends of Birkenhead Library and Involve North West.

Wirral Globe:

Children from St Werburgh's School celebrate the opening of the pocket park on land behind Birkenhead Library. Picture: Geoff Davies

£15,000 funding was provided by the government’s Pocket Park initiative, and £30,000 by Wirral Council via Birkenhead Constituency Committee.

The Birkenhead project was one of only 80 around the country to be awarded funding.

Cllr Ann McLachlan, Wirral's cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "Community projects like this are integral to us meeting our pledges to provide more leisure and cultural opportunities for all by 2020.

"This small piece of land will be somewhere the community can get together, and they can also, via the library, be involved in upkeep and development decisions.

"To be one of only 80 around the country to be funded in this way is a great achievement."

Below: Police Community Support Officers Carole Portbury and Sue Chetta-Jones at the opening of the pocket park on land behind Birkenhead Library. Picture: Geoff Davies

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