New Blackpool park to stay shut for now

The park has been shut since 2015 to enable an £80m investment in the town’s sewer system by United Utilities.

It had been due to open at the beginning of April but following lockdown, the authorities cancelled the opening and the park has remained closed.

The decision has been questioned by some people who believe the park should be opened in line with government guidelines.

One resident told The Blackpool Gazette: “They are putting more pressure on other parks, as people now have to travel to the likes of Stanley Park when there is a perfectly good park sitting there. ”

But the council said it was having to prioritise its resources elsewhere at the moment.

Coun Maria Kirkland, Blackpool Council cabinet member responsible for parks, said: “The opening of Anchorsholme Park has been temporarily delayed as we are having to prioritise our resources elsewhere during the coronavirus pandemic.”

An open day planned for Saturday June 6 has also been postponed.

Around £4.5m has been spent by United Utilities improving the park with new facilities including a cafe, children’s playground, a sports area and outdoor seating areas.