A NEW park opened on Saturday in Atherton.

It signals the culmination of a year-long project that has transformed a drab patch of land into a creative community paradise.

The Devonshire Road park at Hag Fold has got a new name, 'Peoples' Place', because almost every aspect of the £285,000 makeover has been based on local people's ideas. They are behind the American-style basketball court, the choice of play equipment and the eye-catching foot maze.

Working with local schools, the parks team are creating more artwork in the park to mark.

Three quarters of the money for the scheme has been provided by the SRB5 Atherton Building Communities (ABC) project. The work was carried out by the borough's Leisure and Culture Trust.

Now the park provides a much-needed green haven for all ages to enjoy. Community groups are being encouraged to use the site for their own events with the help and advice of Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust.

Cllr Susan Loudon, chairman of the ABC board, said: "It is excellent to see "Peoples' Place" being used by local residents both young and old.

"When Atherton Building Communities identified Devonshire Park as an area in need of refurbishment, the community mapping team asked the rest of the community for their views, and there was resounding support for the project.

"Now the people have a park to be proud of. I look forward to seeing it well used and valued by all residents."