NORTH West Water has given an assurance that Lever Park will continue to enjoy the same protections under the new Bill.

The bill, which is set to become law at the end of this month, sets out to clarify some of the legislation of the previous two Acts - the 1902 Liverpool Corporation Act and the Lever Park Act of 1969.

It will also create a trust and include the extension of the park to include the terraced gardens laid down by Lord Leverhulme at the turn of the century.

Phil Luff, North West Water's area conservation, access and recreation manager, said: "At present the park does not include the terraced gardens and this Bill will give them the same statutory protection that the rest of the park enjoys. We will be extending the park by about 270 acres, which will take in the gardens."

Mr Luff said the Bill will also give NWW the ability to lease the park to a trust at a peppercorn rent for not less than 125 years.

"But NWW is only leasing it, not giving it to them and if anything should happen to the Trust, for example if it should fold or get into difficulties, NWW will be able to step in to ensure it will continue to be managed in the interests of the public. Legislation will cover that."

Mr Luff said that the two previous Acts of Parliament will remain in place and the park will not lose any of the protections that it enjoys at the moment.

"The proposals have been discussed in very great detail by Lancashire County Council, Bolton MBC and in particular Chorley Council, who own a small part of it, and all are very happy and supportive," added Mr Luff.

He said that there had also been a huge public consultation exercise for about a year and the vast amount of people have been very supportive.

"Rivington has been enjoyed by people for many years and people are obviously concerned that the park will continue to be available for the future."

Mr Luff said there was no question of any charge to the public but the trust will have the ability to charge for car parking in certain areas in the centre of the park.

He said certain areas were getting an excessive number of vehicles and causing congestion. Therefore it is proposed to make charges for parking in these areas as part of a wider traffic management scheme in close consultation with the county highways department.

There are also plans for a park and ride service from the perimeter of the park.

The trust will have the power to close parts of the park either long or short term for certain purposes. These include for regeneration, ie seeding, planting; protection of flora, fauna or wildlife; for the protection of the park as a open space for the recreation and enjoyment of the public; from any source of danger hazardous to the public; carrying out works authorised by the Act, ie areas of the gardens while restoration work is progressing; maintainence of the reservoir and also temporary closures of parts of the park for concerts, festivals, meetings etc for a continuous period not exceeding seven days.

"We are seeking to protect this area for the future. We appreciate concerns but we are working very closely with local authorities, who will all have representation on the charitable trust," added Mr Luff.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.