A thriving local community group has been awarded £1,000 to improve Marje Kelly Park’s green credentials.

The money will pay to spruce up the much-loved park and enable volunteers to buy plants and bulbs that will see the green space blossom for years to come.

The former Gorse Park was renamed Marje Kelly in honour of its veteran volunteer and community stalwart, Marje, who devotes all her time to improving the area.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for all their hard work, especially those who give up their spare time to make the park such a wonderful place to visit, play and relax,” said Marje.

“It is fantastic that we have received this special funding – it will provide so much joy once the flowers are in full bloom.”

The money has been provided by Greater Manchester Moving through their ‘Right to the Streets’ project which hosts lots of activities running across Gorse Hill, Stretford and Old Trafford.

The scheme focuses on gender-based violence by exploring ways to make streets and public places safer and more welcoming for women and girls.

Labour’s Gorse Hill and Cornbrook ward councillors, Dave Acton, Fianna Hornby, and Laurance Walsh have welcomed the scheme.

They said: “The park is such a special place – and that would not be the case if it wasn’t for Marje and all the wonderful volunteers.

“The improvements that have been made here are down to the hard work and dedication of the wonderful Friends of Marje Kelly Park group and every resident who takes the time to help in the area.

“The money will give our much-loved park a boost with extra planting, which is a must if we want to keep on improving the borough’s green credentials.”

Once the planting gets underway visitors will be treated to a wide range of diverse planting that will enrich the space including spring bulbs, flower beds and so much more.

The aim is to increase biodiversity and cultivate a natural climate that will attract birds, insects, butterflies, and bees.

For more information and to follow the park’s progress on Facebook visit: Marje Kelly Park Group.