A COMMUNITY group has sold a section of land worth almost £400,000 in a bid to clear its debts. 

Ford Park Community Group has secured the sale of its old house, and of a piece of land where eight houses will be built. 

The sale of these assets has given Ford Park enough funds to secure its future, along with the ongoing support from the local community. 

Due to the sale, Ford Park received £395,000 last week. 

Chief officer Ali Alger said: "The main thing is that the remainder of the park land, about 90 per cent, is now secure for the future. 

"Had we not been able to secure this deal, it would almost certainly have become a huge housing development. 

"I cannot praise our staff and our members enough. Our volunteers have been marvellous and unwavering in their support, and the trustees have been staunch and brave." 

Trustees chairman, Councillor Colin Pickthall, explained that the group didn't "dare be optimistic" throughout the process of the sale. 

He said: "For all of us it has been a very difficult time. We were kept away from jumping in the canal by the wonderfully patient and supportive developers, Modlar Homes, and by the encouragement of so many Ulverstonians who have turned up to our events, used our terrific cafe, and supported our planning application." 

Modlar Homes, based in Ulverston, intend on turning Ford House into office space and the adult services, which are run by Cumbria County Council, will remain in the building. 

Planning permission for the site was granted in March but it has taken eight months for the sale of the land to be finalised. Work will begin on the site in the new year. 

From the initial sale the group has been able to pay off its mortgage and other key debts. 

Mrs Alger said: "We still owe some debt which accrued when we developed the coach house to become a trading arm for the charity. 

"The aim is to pay that off with the sale of the houses, which we will receive a percentage of. We still need the support of the community to fund the day to day running costs of the park." 

Cllr Pickthall added: "Not least of our success has been due to the consistent support of the Evening Mail, who have been generous in their publicity on our behalf. 

"This has been a serious community campaign, which was greatly backed by the entire planning committee at South Lakeland District Council."