Hare Hill Park - a jewel in Littleborough's crown

Photo: Christine Hampton

Cherry Blossom carpeting Hare Hill Park

A stunningly beautiful photograph of Cherry Blossom carpeting Hare Hill Park has brought to the attention of many outside Littleborough just what a beautiful place Littleborough is.

The photo, taken in mid May by Christine Hampton on her mobile phone, has attracted well over 1,000 'likes' on Facebook and over 170 comments.

One commenter said: "I don't think you'd find nicer cherry blossom in any Tokyo park. Enchanting photo, and here in Littleborough." 

Jill Kershaw said: "This photo is so beautiful... Makes you glad you live in Littleborough."

Hare Hill Park, one of the jewels in Littleborough's crown, was created in the Victorian era, along with the building of Hare Hill House by a prominent local family, the Newall family.

The family beneficiaries sold the house and gardens to Littleborough Urban District Council in 1901 and Hare Hill Park is now owned and managed by Rochdale Borough Council.

The 'Friends of Hare Hill Park', a group dedicated to preserving and improving the park, has been instrumental in returning the park to its former glory and attracted over £250,000 for its restoration.

Many original heritage features have been restored, it is well maintained and clean, offering recreational opportunities to a wide range of groups and individuals and is a safe and inviting place used and valued by the local community.

The future of Hare Hill House is currently in the balance and the MoorEnd Development Trust has been working to improve the House into a state where it can be used by the community. The Trust successfully secured a six month license to occupy the house from Rochdale Council. The council has indicated that providing the Trust can demonstrate that it has a viable and robust business plan and is able to show where the money for the repair and refurbishment will come from, that they will consider an asset transfer to the Trust at the end of the six month period.

The Trust has applied for a community award, from a scheme set up by financial firm Engage Mutual, seeking £25,000.

The winner of the award is being decided by a public vote and Hare Hill House has, at the time of publication, attracted close to 1,400 votes. A great vote of confidence but the current first place project has 1,800 votes and so with voting closing at the end of May, Hare Hill House and the community of Littleborough needs your vote. Every vote matters so please help by visiting the website and voting for Hare Hill House now.

https://www.engagemutual.com/foundation/projects/space-at-hare-hill-house-littleborough/