An event was held at the Old Deanery in Ripon last night to celebrate the achievements of a new community group set up to enhance and protect a green oasis in the heart of the city.

Kirkgate Park, also known as Minster Gardens, is surrounded by some of Ripon’s most famous buildings, including the cathedral, the Old Deanery and the Courthouse Museum as well as the historic street of Kirkgate.

The Friends of Kirkgate Park was set up 18 months ago after the cathedral submitted plans to build on the site. The plans were withdrawn, amid strong opposition, in February last year.

Since then, the community group has raised almost £5,000 to fund initiatives such as new benches, putting plants in the fountain and creating a new walkway.

It also plans to install art and an information board and encourage the park to be used for more public events.

Ripon City Council has agreed to spend £10,000 on festoon lighting in the park. The lighting should be installed in time for Christmas.

The council also agreed to match-fund the amount raised by the Friends of Kirkgate Park and last night (July 8), Councillor Andrew Williams, the mayor of Ripon, handed over a cheque for £4,726.

It means almost £20,000 has been raised for Kirkgate Park.

Cllr Williams said it was “great to see more life being breathed back into the area”, adding:

“In just over a year, a small group of people have worked hard to deliver some significant improvements.”

Jenni Holman, treasurer of the Friends of Kirkgate Park, told the Stray Ferret the park was a well-used green area where people could sit and relax, and urged more people to join the group. “It’s a beautiful, tranquil space”, she said.

Groups at last night’s celebration included Rotary Club of Ripon, Ripon in Bloom, Ripon Civic Society, Ripon Disability Forum, Jennyruth Workshops, Evolve, Ripon Men’s Shed, Ripon Community Poppy Project and clothing and gift shop Karma.

The cathedral was invited but did not attend.