A FORGOTTEN park is to be regenerated.

Proposed improvements to Honley Park have been accepted by Kirklees Council’s Holme Valley North Area Committee.

Work is set to begin in the new year.

Villagers had expressed their concern about the poor condition of the park, which is off Westgate, and called for Kirklees to do something.

After discussions with the council the committee accepted plans for a new, more inviting entrance, a reworking of the landscape and measures to discourage frequent incidents of anti-social behaviour.

The current gateway will be replaced with a large open-plan paved entrance, including a gently sloping pathway and terraced planting beds.

A series of winding footpaths will be created across the site, with work expected to be completed by August.

Further plans for the park include a toddlers’ play area, picnic tables and new lights and CCTV cameras to make the area more secure and family friendly.

A scheme at the development stage is to create a skate park for youngsters in the adjacent recreation ground on Jaggar Lane.

Planning permission is now being sought for these proposals. Clr Ken Simms, the Kirklees Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is a very exciting development which will create a 21st century park for Honley.

“It shows the benefits of a partnership between the council and the local community.”