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Money is being made available to provide a community shelter in Herristone Park to provide all-weather cover for dog walkers, pensioners, child carers and young people socialising with friends.

The shelter will form a key element of an eventual overall revamp of the park and its facilities aimed at meeting the needs of various user groups. Cash is being provided specifically for a community shelter and may not be spent on other improvements.

Households in the area have already been leafleted about the proposal and residents are being invited to make their views known at a public meeting on Thursday, January 10 at Crumpsall Labour Club starting at 7.30pm organised by the Friends of Herristone Park.

Community police officers, youth service representatives and Crumpsall ward co-ordinator Ann Taylor, who is responsible for making sure Manchester City Council's services run smoothly in the area, have been invited to attend along with Crumpsall's three local councillors.

The Friends of Herristone Park group was set up in response to concerns among park users and nearby residents about conditions in the park and the unsociable behaviour of some groups.

Improvements since the group was formed have included replacing and repairing fencing; installing new dog waste bins and seating; footpath repairs and resurfacing; bright new entrance signs; and improved drainage.

The group is now applying for funding for further improvements and is hoping to organise a community celebration to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee in June after the successful Christmas grotto in December.

Chris Humphreys, the Friends group secretary urged people to attend the meeting to have their say and become active in the group.

She said: "Pressure from the group has led to small but steady improvements in the last 10 months. Through our persistence, Norweb were persuaded to clean up the land around their sub-station and paint their fencing and we now have the paths in the park swept once a month to keep it cleaner.

"In December we organised a successful Christmas grotto attended by almost 300 children and adults. In June we are hoping to hold a Jubilee party during the special Bank Holiday weekend to mark the Queen's 50th anniversary if there is enough interest and support."