The future of under-threat Berry Hill Park in Mansfield appears to have been secured.

The trustees of the park, who ran it for CISWO (the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation), had threatened to close its gates, citing financial problems.

The news prompted the community to fight the proposal, with thousands signing a petition urging the trustees, CISWO and Mansfield District Council to save the park.

Now the council has agreed to step in after being asked to become a corporate trustee.

The council will carry out maintenance of the park so that it can be enjoyed by the public, while options are considered to secure its long-term future, including the possibility of the authority becoming a corporate trustee.

The Mayor of Mansfield, Kate Allsop (pictured), said: “We are delighted to be able to support keeping this stunning and much-loved park open for everyone to enjoy.

“It is the right decision for Berry Hill Park and the residents of Mansfield District.

“We are working towards becoming a corporate trustee and this could take up to six months so, in the interim, the council will maintain the park while it remains the responsibility of the current trustees.

“The aim is for the council to take a decision regarding the park’s long-term future in the new year.”
John Stevens, secretary to the trustees, said after a meeting between all three parties: “The meeting was very positive and it seems the outcomes for each party were what we wanted.

“The park will remain open for the foreseeable future.”