Labour ward councillors have announced investment into Gorse Hill Park that will provide free outdoor gym facilities for community use.

Cllrs Fianna Hornby, Dave Acton and George Devlin, welcomed the funding, which is expected to be around £17k. The cash boost has been awarded by Trafford Council’s Sport and Physical Activity team.

The investment in Gorse Hill Park was approved due to its proximity to Stretford Sports Village, Stretford High, Trafford College and local transport links.

This is separate to an existing pot of £100,000 of funding, earmarked to deliver improvements to Gorse Hill Park and Marje Kelly Park. You can read more about that here.

Cllr Hornby said the free outdoor gym facilities for community use, are a welcome boost for the community.

“It will give residents and visitors the opportunity to use gym equipment that they may not have previously afforded to have access to,” said Cllr Hornby.

“The council’s decision to approve grant funding for this project leads directly back to Labour’s corporate priority: Healthy and independent lives for all.

“Having the ability to access facilities that encourage exercise and outdoor activities is essential to keep our community fit and well.

“It can boost mental health, provide people with the opportunity to improve their physical activity while relieving stress and anxiety.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this project take shape.”

Trafford Council are set to work with Trafford Leisure, based at Stretford Sports Village to provide some training sessions, with a view to pass on their knowledge to volunteers who want to develop their coaching skills in a bid to take over the reins.