Let's help Worcester's "gem" Gheluvelt Park be crowned the country's best, says MP

Robin Walker is urging people to help the historic site get the recognition it deserves, saying it has improved radically in recent years.

As your Worcester News revealed last week, the site is among 122 green spaces in England to be shortlisted for the 'UK's Best Park' competition.

It is one of just 20 facilities across the Midlands to have made the list as part of the Fields in Trust Awards, aimed at recognising the finest green open spaces nationwide.

Securing the title would be a big boost to the city's tourism appeal.

Mr Walker said: "Worcester has a huge amount to be proud of and its green spaces are certainly one of our city’s main attractions.

"Gheluvelt Park has been improved in recent years and it is a real gem.

"It combines a powerful sense of history with serene patches of calm and some brilliant sporting facilities.

"For its looks alone Gheluvelt Park deserves to be in the competition but as a vibrant living community and one that commemorates such sacrifice during this special centenary, it deserves to win.

"I have already voted for the truly wonderful Gheluvelt Park and I hope everyone in Worcester will."

Around 800,000 visits were made to Gheluvelt Park last year, while the Splashpad water feature gets around 2,000 visitors daily during the peak summer season.

The park had a £1.4m makeover in 2010 thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund award which went towards the specially commissioned war memorial feature, the play area, refurbished bandstand and Splashpad.

We also revealed last year how the city council is to sink another £200,000 into it by creating new on-site toilets and possibly a cafe.

The park, off Barbourne Road, was built in honour of those lost in the First World War.

People have until 5pm on Wednesday, November 25 to vote for it by visiting http://fieldsintrust.org/bestpark.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony inside Lord's cricket ground in London on Wednesday, December 2.