A £1.5 million scheme to breathe new life into a Shropshire beauty spot has moved a step closer after plans were submitted.

Telford & Wrekin Council wants to make improvements to Victoria Park in Newport and work could begin in the New Year if plans are approved.

The aim is to move the poorly lit car park, branded a magnet for anti-social behaviour, further into the park, freeing up space near the canal for a picnic area.

The site would be levelled and an all-weather path be laid around the perimeter.

Hedges would be replaced with iron fencing to give a better views and low lying marshland towards the canal area is being excavated and turned into a nature conservation zone.

There is also space for a play area which is being designed under the council’s playbuilder scheme.

Telford & Wrekin Council landscape architect Jenny Coats helped to draw up the plans. In a report to the plans board, she says: “The new Victoria Park will provide an inviting, accessible green town park for residents and visitors in the centre of Newport.

“Its position adjacent to a very well used canal footpath leading to major residential areas and the proximity of the High Street puts it at the heart of the community.

“By the resiting of the car park the full value of the canal basin as a beautiful, tranquil natural setting, with picnic tables overlooking the water, is regained. On the other hand the opportunity for anti-social behaviour in a dark car park without natural surveillance has been removed.”

Plans to regenerate the park were first drawn up 10 years after a town-wide general consultation about all aspects of Newport life.

Those initial plans hit the buffers because of problems in securing cash.

Members of Newport Town Council have backed the latest plans, which form part of Telford & Wrekin Council’s Borough Towns Initiative.

By Wayne Beese