Gorse Hill and Cornbrook Labour councillors have welcomed a £100k cash injection to improve two much-loved green spaces within their ward.

Marje Kelly and Gorse Hill parks will benefit equally from the funding which will be used to pay for several green infrastructure projects.

Cllrs Dave Acton, Fianna Hornby and Laurance Walsh expressed their delight at the news and said they will work alongside community groups to help deliver various park improvements.

The funding – commonly known as S106 money – is a result of Trafford Council’s planning team imposing financial conditions on the developer who built more than 300 homes on the former Itron factory site.

The money will fund numerous schemes aimed at encouraging residents to become more active and improve their mental wellbeing by spending extra time outdoors.

Cllr Fianna Hornby said: “I’m so pleased to see this investment coming into Gorse Hill.

“It is vitally important that developers do their bit to improve local infrastructure especially in ways that can make a real difference to local communities.

“This funding will be put to great use by the community groups and make visiting both parks even more special.

“We are still in the very early stages; however, as ward councillors we really looking forward to working with everyone on plans to make this significant pot of cash pay for several exciting projects.”

The former Gorse Park was renamed Marje Kelly in honour of its veteran volunteer and community stalwart, Marje, who said she felt ‘over the moon’ on hearing the news.

“To find out we were awarded such a huge amount of money was a wonderful and unexpected surprise, said Marje.

“It means so much to me, the fantastic team of volunteers, and the whole community because it will help pay for some amazing green projects.

“The park really is a beautiful hidden gem, which is cherished by everyone who visits.

“We can’t wait to get started on making the park an even more attractive place for everyone to enjoy.

“Our community is buzzing with ideas about how to spend the money and are really excited to start planning for the future.

“A massive thank you to our amazing ward councillors, friends, and supporters who made this dream a reality.”