Volunteers reimagine new 'Ponky's Park' in Tyldesley

Formerly occupied by the Boars Head pub in the 19th century, the patch of land between Elliott Street and Castle Street in Tyldesley apparently got its name from the pub's last landlord 'Ponky', who was well known for his piano playing skills.

With the pub eventually demolished to make way for a wider road, 'Ponky's Park' has remained as a small patch of grass until public consultations were held on how the land could be improved last year.

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The site has remained as 'Ponky's Park' since an old pub was demolished (Image: Susan Szkilnyk)
Organised by the 'For Tyldesley' community group and in keeping with the 'Heritage Action Zone' project, the feedback from the consultations was that the fenced-off area was not very accessible or inviting.

Residents suggested that they wanted to see more flowers and greenery on the high street, so the For Tyldesley group collaborated with students at the Manchester School of Architecture to make these suggestions a reality.

Children at St George's primary school also helped to pick out flowers following a visit to the Royal Horticultural Society gardens in Worsley.

Volunteers helped to reimagine the space (Image: For Tyldesley)
After all the decisions were made, a team of volunteers has been working hard to reimagine the space, refurbish the railings, and plant flowers so that the space can be used as a "community area to be used by all ages".

Volunteers explained that they have left space for chairs and picnic blankets to be put down, and that the existing benches at the site will be repainted in the coming weeks.

The idea came about from public feedback for more flowers and greenery (Image: Vicky Tyrrell)

Vicky Tyrrell, one of the leaders at the 'For Tyldesley' group, said: "When the Heritage Action Zone first started, the people of Tyldesley gave their opinions about the high street via different surveys.

"Time and time again it came back that people wanted more greenery and flowers along Elliott Street.

"'For Tyldesley' identified 'Ponky's Park for possible improvements as it was just a monoculture of grass and completely fenced off, so it couldn't be classed as a park or any kind of accessible green space.

"All sectors of the community have been involved in the planting and refurbishment of the area, and Ponky's Park will become somewhere where shoppers can pause in nature and find relaxation on the high street."

The space is hoped to bloom and encourage residents to relax (Image: Leigh Journal)
Vicky also explained that bird boxes and bug houses have also been installed at Ponky's Park, while the 'For Tyldesley' group has held workshops to commemorate environmental and heritage events.

In keeping with this, St George's Eco Council will hold a plant sale stall at Tyldesley's Maker's Market on Saturday, June 1.