THE transformation of a popular park is set to continue at pace after a £40,000 funding boost.

The Friends of Swakeleys Park has just discovered it has been successful in securing the money from Hillingdon Council to help cement the Swakeleys Drive park’s place at the heart of the Ickenham community.

It follows closely behind last month’s official opening of the Jubilee Garden, which has already proved a hit with local people.

Neena Bedi, chairman of the friends’ group, said: “This is a great reward for the volunteers who give up time every month to keep the park tidy and maintained. It is an accolade for the council and the members of the green spaces team.

“The work will commence immediately and will include a new footpath by the River Pinn and improvements to the car park surfaces at both ends of the park.

“It will mean that residents will have easier access and enjoy the walk near the river.”

The £40,000 is coming from the council’s Chrysalis fund, and Steve Palmer, deputy director of community services at the council, said: “The Chrysalis programme provides funding to renovate community facilities and make them cleaner, greener and safer for our residents.

“This project will help maintain and improve the area so that our residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the park.”

This success in securing the funding is in addition to the awarding in July of Green Flag Award status, the benchmark for open spaces in the UK.

The flag was raised in the park on August 14 by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Michael Markham, and will remain in the park for a year, when an application can be made for renewal.

? The Friends of Swakeleys Park is on the look out for new volunteers. Anyone interested can contact Mrs Bedi via email at Ickenhamresidents@hotmail.com.