Funding bid over £2m plan for Green

Last updated 05:42, Friday, 05 September 2008

A £2 MILLION regeneration plan for Silloth Green is a step closer with a lottery funding bid to be lodged this month.

But Cumbria County Council is having to take over planning from the town council, as lottery bosses need to be convinced the ideas can be turned into a reality.

Silloth town council has asked the Heritage Lottery Fund for £1.5m to pay for the works – which include a new green, children’s facilities, restoration of the pagoda and ornamental garden.

If approved, another £500,000 will come from West Lakes Renaissance.

A county council report warned cabinet members the project was unlikely to proceed if it did accept responsibility for it – although agreeing created financial dangers. Problems such as unforeseen costs or delays, would then be the responsibility of the authority.

The area featured in the revamp will also include Lawn Terrace and the area up to the Eastcote lighthouse.

Stage one of the lottery bid will be submitted in the next two weeks. The outcome will be revealed in April.

It is hoped the scheme will bring the Victorian resort back to its former glory.