[A] delightful public park which is described as a “hidden gem” is to be improved with money from a special community grant fund.
South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has awarded £20,000 to help enhance Nobles Rest, a treasured green space close to Kendal town centre.
The money will help pay for important drainage work and to improve and extend paths.
Husband and wife John and Liz Wright, who are chairman and treasurer of the Friends of Nobles Rest, say the improvements are part of a community-led project and the money will be well spent.
“Nobles Rest is a hidden gem, a lovely space which many people who live in Kendal don’t know exists. Those who do come here to walk and relax know it floods, so an important aspect of the enhancement work will be to improve the drainage to provide a better, drier surface and allow it to be enjoyed all year round,” said John.
SLDC has awarded 16 grants worth £287,000 in the latest round of funding for Locally Important Projects (LIPs) which allows communities to invest in a wide range of initiatives across the district.
Since 2013 the council has approved 72 LIPs grants worth almost £1 million.
SLDC’s Leader, Cllr Giles Archibald, said: “The funding is linked to our Council Plan priorities for the environment, housing, supporting the local economy and promoting health and wellbeing.
“LIPs grants continue to be a popular and highly effective way of supporting some excellent projects, such as the enhancements to Nobles Rest, which help local organisations and communities to achieve real results.”
Nobles Rest, which is located at the end of Maude Street, boasts magnificent trees, floral beds and a wild flower meadow.
The park was donated by Mary Ellen Noble in 1929 as a sanctuary of rest for the aged and a play area for small children to enjoy. It was created to commemorate her husband, local surgeon Samuel Clarke Noble.
