THE planned improvement of two Wirral parks has been given a boost of £56,000 in Government funding.

Mersey Park in Birkenhead and Ilchester Park in Birkenhead North will receive work over the coming months to improve the current parks, enhance green space and introduce new features.

They have been chosen as parks that will benefit the most from this funding and have been highlighted as areas of important green space in the surrounding area, both parks are situated in areas of dense housing.

Cllr Julie McManus, Wirral's cabinet member for community services, said: "In the face of Climate Emergency, it is so important that we protect, improve and maintain the borough’s green and open spaces for residents in the surrounding areas.

"I am delighted that both Mersey Park and Ilchester Park will benefit from this funding, as having an attractive and accessible outside area is important and beneficial for both health and well-being."

From this funding, a grant of £56,000 received from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Mersey Park will receive the most funding, having not secured funding as recently as Ilchester.

Mersey Park is also in the greatest need of improvement having been identified as one of the ten parks in the 10-year Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2014- 2024, with the most potential to be improved.

Within the works, Mersey park is set to be installed with an activity trial, nature areas and planting areas.

Improvements will also be made to the multi-use games area, railings, entrances and signage around play area.

These signs will be made in partnership with a local school.

Most of the Mersey Park elements of this project have been raised by the local Friends of Tranmere Parks.

Ilchester Park will also still see improvements made to the multi-use games area and to the play area boundary and entrances.

Cllr McManus continued: "I hope that residents in the surrounding areas of Bidston and St. James, Birkenhead and Tranmere will enjoy the new features and improvements to the parks, once the work is complete, and these parks will be enjoyed as they should."