A MUCH-LOVED park could soon get a fresh lease of life thanks to a determined bunch of residents.

For decades, West Park has been a popular and well-used facility in Newton Aycliffe.

Everyday, dog-walkers, runners and townsfolk of all ages take advantage of its wide green spaces, footpaths, play equipment and picturesque boating lake, teaming with ducks and swans.

However, many residents believe the park needs sprucing up and have set up a dedicated group to work alongside its owners, Great Aycliffe Town Council (Gatc).

The Friends of West Park Newton Aycliffe will hold its first meeting at the Navy Club on Bluebell Way at 7pm on Tuesday, February 18, and chairman, Ken Robson, is encouraging the public to attend.

“West Park truly is a wonderful park but we feel it has become a bit of a forgotten corner and we want to promote it and make sure it is the best it can be,” he said.

“We want to work with the town council to preserve it for years to come. Local authorities are under financial pressure at the moment and, as a group, the Friends will be able to apply for grants and hold fundraising events to raise money for improvements.”

The group has already identified new shrubs, flowers and a picnic area as key aims but are keen to find out what other people think.

A self-titled Facebook page has also been set up and residents are being encouraged to post old photographs and share memories.