A PARK has reopened this week following a �2.7m renovation.

Howard Park in Letchworth GC has been handed back to North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) and is now open to the public, 16 months after work began.

The restoration work - which was initially expected to be completed last autumn - includes improved play areas, modern toilets and new routes through and around the park.

A 119-metre paddling pool and water feature, as well as a kiosk serving refreshments, will open in early April after some water features have undergone final testing.

The opening of Howard Park follows improvements to the adjacent Howard Gardens, which was completed last November.

The project was largely funded by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund, and carried out by UPM Tilhill.

Cllr Ian Knighton, NHDC’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “This is the culmination of years of planning and months of hard work. A big thank you must go to UPM Tilhill who have handled the project superbly, and to Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund for their support without which this would not have been possible.

An event celebrating the official opening of the park has been planned for Saturday, May 26. By then, temporary fencing that will remain in place to protect new turf will have been removed.

NHDC is hoping to feature a display showing the history of Howard Park and Gardens, and is asking for people to come forward with memories of the area.

To add your recollections contact Laura Allan-Smith on 01462 474377 or email laura.smith@north-herts.gov.uk