The reserve near Paradise Bridge, at the junction of King George V Ave and a closed section of Scott Rd, has been the beneficiary of a $25,000 funding injection.

It has allowed for the addition of seating, rubbish bins, bollards to limit vehicle access, signage, fencing and lighting.

The Leader has done several stories on the poor state of the area in the past few years, a number of residents complaining about the rubbish and drug paraphernalia that was often present.

Tamworth Regional Council waste education officer Angela Dodson said the area had never been a designated reserve, but was frequently used by families, walkers, joggers, cyclists and visitors because of its proximity to the Tamworth CBD and its access to the Peel River.

Ongoing litter, vandalism and drug problems had tarnished its appeal, though, she said.

“A solution was to turn the area into an improved recreations area by limiting vehicle access and installing infrastructure to accommodate visitors to the area and providing the aesthetics of the location to foster community ownership of the space,” Ms Dodson said.

Cr Helen Tickle said it was now a much more attractive space and was a location that had benefitted from Clean Up Australia Day activities in recent times.

Anti-social behaviour will also be monitored on a more regular basis, with the park now a nominated site for the council’s mobile CCTV equipment.

The $25,000 in funding was secured by the council through the NSW Environment Protection Authority.