Vote at Tesco stores to tell the hidden history of Stanmore Country Park

Shropshire Council and Friends of Stanmore Country Park are asking local people to vote at their local Tesco store for a project to showcase the hidden history of Stanmore Country Park in Bridgnorth, as well as improving access and amenities.

The Tesco Bags of Help scheme was launched in December 2015, and is a grant that is available to support local projects that improve green spaces in communities across England, Wales and Scotland. The money is raised through the 5p carrier bag charge.

Friends of Stanmore Country Park and Shropshire Council have submitted a project proposal called “Hidden Heritage”, and it is one of three that has been shortlisted regionally to receive funding of up to £12,000 based on a public vote.

The origins of the park were as a RAF Training Base complete with an on-site cinema, parade ground and accommodation blocks. Much of the history is now lost in the undergrowth.

If successful, new interpretation boards depicting the history the site will be installed and paths upgraded for easy access. A new way-marked walk will also be created linking the park with the Hermitage (a route that RAF trainees used to follow). In order to do this, overgrown footpaths will be cleared so that local people can enjoy exploring this wonderful area of Bridgnorth.

The natural heritage of the park will also be enhanced. The site was once home to several rare black poplar trees. These were lost in high winds. The grant will pay for planting an avenue of these amazing trees, as well as a commemorative poppy bed and a community orchard.

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said:-

“Stanmore Country Park is a much-loved local park with an incredible history. The public vote is vitally important to improve the site. We are really pleased to have been shortlisted, and with your help we could get the top grant of £12,000. I would urge everyone to vote for the Hidden Heritage project at your local Tesco store.”

For more information about the project, please contact Edward Andrews, Shropshire Council on 01746 781192.

To vote for the Hidden Heritage project, please visit any of the local Tesco stores before Sunday 6 March 2016:

Tesco Express, High Street, Bridgnorth

Tesco Express, Hermitage Esso, Cann Hall Bypass, Bridgnorth

Tesco Hadley Centre Express, Hadley District Centre, Telford

Tesco Haygate Road Express, Wellington, Telford

Tesco Telford Extra, Wrekin Retail Park, Arleston, Telford

Tesco Madeley Superstore, Park Ave, Madeley, Telford