AN historic Calderdale park has been given a makeover boost.

A firm based in Holywell Green has donated £1,000 towards the restoration of an historic well.

Solvay, which employs 60 people at its production site at Brooklands Industrial Estate, has made the donation to a group working to restore St Helen’s Well at Shaw Park, Holywell Green.

The company makes surfactants – materials used widely in shampoos and detergents – as well as biocides, which remove bacteria from water and are mainly used in swimming pools.

Solvay has links to Shaw Park as the company now occupies land and buildings formerly used as a mill by the Shaw family and shares much of its boundary with the park today.

In 1955, the park was given to the local community by the mill owner’s descendant, Raymond Shaw. It has been in public ownership ever since.

The Shaw Park Restoration Group was set up in 2010 to restore it to its former glory and continues to raise funds for its upkeep today.

Solvay site director John Hamnett said: “The Shaw Park Restoration Group is undertaking a considerable and valuable task on behalf of the local community which is to be applauded and we’re delighted to be able to support it.”

Solvay has donated several pallets of stone toppings to help the restoration of the well along with £1,000 towards the works which will include a new wrought iron gate for the tunnel entrance.

Shaw Park contains several Grade II-listed buildings and ornamental ponds, but fell into decline in recent years.

As Calderdale Council budgets do not stretch to a complete restoration of the park, Holywell Green resident Jason Parker set up the Shaw Park Restoration Group in 2010 to raise funds for vital restoration work.

Group member Clare Normanton, who received the cheque from Mr Hamnett, said: “Restoring Shaw Park is a huge task, but we will get there with the commitment and enthusiasm of Jason and with the help and dedication of our group members.

“We are also heavily reliant on local businesses such as Solvay, whose generosity makes such a difference.”

To find out more about the group, contact Jason Parker on 07717 180000, Clare Normanton at clare.normanton@yahoo.com or visit www.shawpark.org.uk