The Friends of Wilton Lodge Park group are in the process of submitting a Heritage Lottery funding application for the Park, and I am pleased to say things have taken several steps forward recently. Our pre-application submission has been well receiv
ed, and Heritage Lottery have requested a site visit with council officials, to offer advice on submitting a full application.
It is early days yet, but positive comments from the Heritage Lottery's senior grant officer have been encouraging. One of the most important aspects of any application is evidence of public participation, and to this end, we have taken every opportunity to consult the many park users during our various open days and other park events.
Public consultation, and the tabulation of the comments received has a huge bearing on any application, so it is essential that we consult as wide a range of park users as possible, including any sporting groups and other organisations who use the park for events.
In an effort to encourage further public comment and feed back, the Friends group have taken the opportunity to display a copy of the improvements envisaged for the park at the following locations: Hawick Town Hall Contact Centre, Drumlanrig Tower Visitor Centre, Hawick Library and Hawick Musuem. Comment slips and a deposit box will be available next to the displays.
Please take the opportunity to comment on the future of your park, as it will help our bid enormously. Should our bid succeed, Wilton Lodge Park will remain pretty much as it is, but with improved facilities with an emphasis on heritage aspects of the park, one example being the resurrection of a bandstand, to facilitate musical events. Please give this venture your support by giving us your views.
