Sefton’s Mayor, Cllr Clare Carragher, officially opened the new children’s play area at Runnells Lane Park on Monday 1st August.

Cllr Carragher also planted a new cherry tree with Deputy Lieutenant Mr Michael Braham as part of the Queens Green Canopy Campaign marking the Queens Platinum Jubilee Year.



Following much needed improvements to its play and recreation facilities, as well as its paths and landscaping, Runnells Lane Park is now fully open to the public.



The works have been complete in time for the school summer holidays, and families will be able to enjoy the new children’s play area and refurbished multi-use games area.

The improvement works will also include the installation of a new bin and benches for the play area. While people of all ages can enjoy spending time in the greenspace thanks to the new path that has been created around the edge of the site.

The aim moving forward is for a further phase of works to begin in Autumn. This will see new trees planted around the boundary of the park to improve the local environment and support wildlife. While a new tree avenue will be created along the existing footpath. In addition, it is hoped that a new wildlife friendly meadow can be established on part of the site.

Cllr Carragher, who was joined at the park by ward councillors and cabinet member Cllr Ian Moncur, said:

“It’s great to celebrate the reopening of the park, knowing the positive impact this will have on the local community, and I’m certain the new play area will be very popular with local children.”


Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:

“This is the only public park in Thornton, and it provides an important community space.

“It’s fantastic to see improvements that will benefit people of all ages in the area.

“A big thank you to the Green Sefton and Neighbourhoods teams who have worked to bring this project to fruition.”

Funding to create the improvements was secured from Veolia Environmental Trust, which supports community projects across the whole of England, by using Manor Ward Section 106 planning funds as match funding. The project was delivered by the Council’s Green Sefton service in partnership with the Council’s Neighbourhoods Team.

Local residents have expressed interest in forming a Friends of Runnells Lane Park group who would undertake volunteer duties and support events and activities. Those interested can contact Green Sefton by email greensefton@sefton.gov.uk