NORTH West Water today announced proposals for the formation of an independent charitable trust to manage its land and property in Lever Park.
If a bid for Heritage Lottery and Millennium funding is successful this year, the trust will be formed to oversee a £15 million project to restore Rivington's Terraced Gardens, improve Lever Park and create a major new visitors' centre.
The water company's plans for the park have already caused a storm of controversy. But Derek Green, managing director of North West Water, said today: "At the beginning of this century, Lord Leverhulme had the foresight to leave Lever Park in trust for the enjoyment and benefit of the people.
"Since his death in 1925, the terraced gardens and the park have gradually been allowed to deteriorate through years of neglect.
"Our proposals will not only extend the area of the park left in trust to the people, but will go a long way towards restoring it to its former glory. They will give back to the North-west a heritage site of national significance."
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