South Norwood Lake is a step closer to being given a much-needed revamp.
Local people have welcomed news that a lottery bid is to be made to improve the lake and grounds.
Members of Croydon Council's leisure committee have agreed to ask for £265,000 from the lottery fund for a package of improvements. The council will stump up the additional £88,000 needed.
Three options had been considered - a cheaper package of improvements, a more expensive one and the middle option eventually decided upon.
This includes redesigning the entrance to include references to the lake's history, installing a nature trail, better signs and new fishing platforms, overhauling railings, paths, bins and benches and replacing the unsightly kiosk/mess room with simple new buildings.
Shrubs and trees will be planted along boundaries to reinforce security and enhance nature conservation, the island will be improved and new one to increase nesting sites created.
The news has been welcomed by residents' groups and park users.
May Johnson, committee member of the South Norwood Residents' Association, has seen the plans and approves of them.
"I think it's great," she said. "It's been neglected for a long time and it needed something done to it."
Hugh Byfield, a member of the Croydon Society, lives near the lake and has been visiting it for more than 60 years. He said it was still very popular with visitors, despite being a bit more tatty than in the past, and deserved the cash.
"It has all the ingredients of a wonderful park and there's very great scope for improvement."
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