Bid for historic site given a new boost; Conservation area inclusion for park.

Byline: Tony Henderson

ABID to restore an historic park has been strengthened by its inclusion in a conservation area.

Tynemouth Village conservation area is being extended to take in the Victorian Northumberland Park.

North Tyneside Council has just submitted a bid for over pounds 1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the park's regeneration in a scheme worth around pounds 3.5m and it is believed that conservation area status will boost the chances of winning backing.

The 30-acre park, opened in 1885 was gifted by the Duke of Northumberland.

The opening ceremony was marked by the Duke planting a Turkey Oak, which still survives today.

Glynis Barrie, council cabinet member for community services, said: "The plans to regenerate Northumberland Park are very exciting. It would mean the historic park is restored to its former glory while at the same time providing some new facilities to encourage more visitors."

Nigel Bryant, chairman of Tynemouth Village Association, said: "People are very excited to see something happening with what is a lovely park and being part of the conservation area should help the grant bid." In 1895 there were complaints about dangerous monkeys on display in the park, who were biting children.

When work started on the park in 1884 the remains of the 13th-Century St Leonard's Hospital were uncovered, including several skeletons. Stone coffins can still be seen in the park.

The land had also been used as a burial site during the English Civil War when access to the parish church on the Tynemouth Priory site was restricted.

The park had a aviary and also a cactus house, which was still a feature in the 1980s. An old railway track bed also runs through the park and is connected to Tynemouth Station. It is hoped to reopen this as a pedestrian route.

The extension of the conservation area also includes Holy Saviour Church, designed by the leading Tyneside architects John and Benjamin Green and built between 1839-41.

Three impressive private homes on the Broadway, Kennersdene and Sr Edward's Road are also included to provide a "gateway" to Tynemouth village. The extension takes in John and Benjamin Green's Master Mariners Homes, with their statue of the Duke of Northumberland, the Tynemouth Lodge pub and the adjacent House of Correction.

This was built in 1792 as a courthouse and cell block and is one of the few small, local prisons from the 18th-Century to survive.

A MEETING to explore how local people can be involved in the development of the park and plans for its restoration will take place on September 30 at 6pm in the large hall at the Linskill Centre, Linskill Terrace, North Shields.

A draft masterplan for the park''s regeneration has been drawn up after consultation with local people and park users.

Proposals include: New visitor facilities such as toilets, cafe and pavilion.

Improvements to management and maintenance of the park, including more staff based at the park.

Restoring the historic features of the park and explaining the park''s history through guidebooks and interpretation panels.

Improved footpaths and better access to and within the park, plus restoration of the lake and watercours es. Archaeological excavation of St. Leonard''s Hospital site.

Improvements to sport and play facilities.

CEMETERY IS UNUSUAL FEATURE ONE of the unusual features of the park is a pets' cemetery which was in use from the 1930s-80s.

One stone reads: "In loving memory of Trixie Fox, rescued Normandy Beach 1944. Died 1958."

Another was erected by the RSPCA "In memory of Pop, for loyal and faithful war service." Also in the cemetery are Tiny Mills 1937-54, Frisky Stevens 1952-59, Bonzo Blagburn, 1946-50, Toodles Leake 1955, and Monty the tortoise 1957. Elsewhere are Pandi, Dandy and Bambi, Laddie and Lassie, Blackie , Flossie, Fluffy, Snooker, Rastus, Bambi, Shep, Radar, Rover, Tess, Patch, Rex and Tich the cat.

CAPTION(S):

PAST A carpet bedding floral display in Northumberland Park in the 1930s. REGENERATION HOPE North Tyneside Mayor Linda Arkley and park users at a regeneration event in Northumberland Park.