FACILITIES at Saltmill Park were officially put in the hands of the environmental charity Groundwork South today, when a 30 year lease to run parts of the park was formally agreed with Cornwall Council.

The skateboard park, football pitches, pavilion and car park will now all be looked after by the organisation, along with a new training centre which opens to the public next week.

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, and local Member Bob Austin toured the park today to see the improvements that have taken place by Groundwork since 2008, hear about the activities and events held and have a sneak preview of the new training centre.

During the past seven years the park has had major upgrades to the popular skateboard ramps, winning more than £35,000 of funding, as well as upgrading the all-weather football pitch.

Nicola Hazell, Operations Manager for Groundwork South said, “Naturally we’re over the moon to be granted the lease from the council. The park is such an important place for the community and loved by everyone. We want to maintain and enhance it even further.

"We have some exciting plans in the events happening, like the community day next week and some ideas in the pipeline which we hope will make the park even more popular.”

Edwina Hannaford added; “The transfer of the day to day management of much of the site to Groundwork has been a positive step. Saltmill Park is an important recreational facility for Saltash residents.

"It's distinct not only for its location in the AONB on the banks of the Tamar, but because the community helped shape the sculptures and artworks around the park.”