AFTER years of campaigning from Stourbridge Township Council the historic gates of Mary Stevens Park are finally being restored.

A crane pulled up outside the park’s Heath lane entrance on Saturday morning with workers soon getting to task on removing the historic doorway.

The gates are due to undergo work throughout the next few months as part of Dudley Council’s £3.1 million restoration of the park, which has been given £2.6m funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund.

Campaigning from late township council member John Shepherd persuaded councillors to allocate cash towards the project and bid for extra funding.

John's wife and current township council clerk, Kari Shepherd, said the gates being restored is part of the legacy left behind by her late husband.

She said: "John fought for such a long time to get the gates restored so it is wonderful that it is finally happening.

"It is a tribute to him as well as the people of Stourbridge because they deserve to have a beautiful looking town.

"The township council, together with the Friends of Mary Stevens Park, have been campaigning for over 10 years to get this work done but I am now excited to see the gates once the are replaced.

"It will be lovely to see them restored back to what they used to look like."

After being restored to full working order the gates are anticipated to be returned to the site in July.

Margaret Scott, chairman of Stourbridge Township Council, said: “I am very pleased because the Stourbridge Township Council has been campaigning to get the gates restored for years and years.

“To know they are finally going to be done is absolutely brilliant. I am absolutely delighted.

“There is a great photograph of the gates from years ago showing them in their glory, looking absolutely beautiful, so it is wonderful for Stourbridge that at long last the work will be done.”

Other plans for the park involve replacing the railings, bandstand, war memorial, pool and installing a new cafe, which will serve hot drinks and light refreshments from the tea gardens area.

John Millar, acting strategic director for environment, economy and housing, said: “We continue to work closely with the Friends of Mary Stevens Park to roll out this exciting restoration project.

“The lottery funding will enable us to restore historical aspects of the park, preserving it for many future generations to come.”

A heritage ranger has been appointed to deliver a programme of activities at the park.

During the gate restoration period the Heath Lane entrance will be closed throughout the day, but visitors will be able to access the park via the Stanley Road entrance.