A CHARITY which used a land deal to clear debts which threatened its future is looking to the future - with big plans in the pipeline for next year.

The future of Ford Park in Ulverston was unsure after its governing body accrued large debts when they bought it from the council in 2005.

However, after part of the park was sold to a property developer the park's trust was able to secure its finances, with a far more positive outlook for 2017.

David Heffernan, chairman of the Ford Park Community Group board of trustees, said: "For the park it's been a big struggle, with working out how to pay off the debt. It's been a great relief and achievement to have paid it off. With the situation we were in, building houses on the park was the best option for us."

The construction of eight houses is under way at the bottom end of the park adjacent to Ford Park Crescent.

The range of three to five bedroom houses are due for completion early next year.

Mr Heffernan was keen to stress that the park was still a charity, and that it's primary goal was to always secure enough revenue for its operation.

He said: "We're still a charity and our funding isn't secure. Now we have to focus on building revenue streams that allow us to be stable, so we can provide our services."

One of those revenue sources to be expanded is the role of the Coach House. Now news is spreading that the park's debts are clear, wedding bookings are on the rise.

Increased income generated from ventures such as this will provide funding for the park to expand its offerings for the public throughout 2017.

There are plans to create a "veggie soup trail" for local schoolchildren where they follow food from garden to the dinner table.

There will also be a big push to make the garden as accessible as possible so that no-one misses out on what it has to offer.

Mr Heffernan paid tribute to the volunteers, staff and supporters whose dedication ensured the park's survival.

He said: "It's a testament to how hard the trustees before me have worked.

"The people before us did an exceptional job and Councillor Colin Pickthall has worked tirelessly for Ford Park.

"Sometimes it's been easy to get a bit down when you have to get over the hurdles, but you have to remember what we have achieved."