RESIDENTS in Garston Park are celebrating this week after Watford Council promised to spend £40,000 on improving the area.

Council officers have been told to draw up an action plan and consult local groups over what is needed.

The announcement follows a passionate campaign by Mrs Ayelet Bayley, who threw down a challenge to elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill to revamp Garston Park.

Mrs Bayley, who came to Garston three years ago, has been calling for a new children's playground as the present one has been vandalised and is in a state of disrepair.

She collected over 200 signatures in support of her campaign and presented the petition to Mayor Thornhill last month.

Fellow campaigner Ms Sue Greenslade said: "It's particularly good news for local children and for Mrs Bayley who worked hard to highlight our needs."

Mayor Thornhill said: "It's important that the money is well spent for the benefit of the whole community."

Work on Garston Park is expected to start at the end of the year.

July 31, 2002 17:30