Assignment 2: Article 2

An insight into Preston's Parks


The Parks in Preston play a significant role in the lives of the local people. With seven to choice from they provide plenty of space to get away from the busyness of city life.





















Football pitch at Moor Park.



Preston is home to one of the world’s oldest parks which was created in the 19th Century by the Edwardians. Moor Park, which is situated in the centre of Preston, was landscaped by Edward Milner who also designed Miller, Avenham and Grange parks in the city.



Moor Park played a significant part in the First and Second World War. Its hospital site for the injured of war closed in 1919 and was later turned into a prisoner of war camp.

Today the parks are used for leisure activities for people of all ages.



Rob Bywater, communications officer for the parks said: “The Parks are a fantastic asset to Preston. They are used by visitors and local people for everything from taking the dog for walk to watching Christmas events.

“The biggest is Moor Park which has lots of multi use play areas and hosts big events such as Radio 1’s Big Weekend.”


'fantastic asset'


The Tennis, bowling and football pitches on the parks are regularly used by the local community.

It was the facilities that encouraged Preston's historic football team, Preston North End, to train on Moor Park in the late 18oo's. The team then moved across the road onto a new pitch where their stadium is situated today.


Country parks can be found just outside of Preston. Beacon Fell country park attracts visitors to it's wildlife and views across Lancashire and Morecambe Bay.





Each park has a ranger whose job it is to look after the general welfare of the land and ensure its safety for visitors.

Rob Bywater added: “The rangers work closely with local schools enabling the children come and see the wildlife and get involved in conservation work.'





















Parks provide areas for conservation work.

Assignment 2: Article 1

Concern over safety

As Preston council announce that they will be cutting the amount of money available for lighting in city parks, how safe is it take walk around at night?


Now that the winter nights are drawing in local people depend on street lights to feel safe around the city.


The Lancashire Evening Post has recently revealed that the funding in this sector has been reduced this year from £40,000 to £20,000. Only lampposts that are a health and safety risk will definitely be replaced.



'Danger'

Alison Jones, who works at Deepdale Retail Park, walks home at around 10 o’clock at night. She said: “I can’t afford to get taxis to and from work so if the council don’t replace the lights I will be put in danger.”


It would be quicker for Alison to walk through Moor Park, Preston but the lighting is already poor that she can’t take the chance.



She added:“I just walk quickly and try to get home as soon as possible. I think it should be the council's priority to make areas safer.”

It was only in July of this year that five of Preston's parks were presented with The Green Flag Award and one of the points that was raised is that they are a 'healthy, safe and secure place.'




Moor Park at night



As a number of attacks on women were reported in the parks are last year. The community safety partnership, Safer Lancashire, advise women to carry a torch after dark and to avoid shortcuts and dark deserted areas where possible.




Alison Jones' journey home from work.