Park life explored in project

THEY are oases for rest, escape and play in the very heart of the inner-city.

- NEAL KEELING

Now the "untold stories" of people's access to public green retreats in Manchester at urban parks is to be told.

Three parks located in the most disadvantaged districts of North Manchester: Sandhills Park in Collyhurst, Queens Park in Harpurhey, and Philips Park in Eastlands will feature in a project funded by a £9,618 grant from Historic England.

It will focus on the spaces and the history of their use, emphasising the benefits of urban green spaces for local communities, at the time when they were created and in the present day.

Through adult education and training, every year the charity Back on Track supports about 500 people from Greater Manchester who have experienced a number of disadvantages.

Nearly one in five come from the three postcode districts - M9, M40, and M11 - home to the parks featured in the project.