PRIMARY school pupils from Bury have helped to design and build bug houses as part of efforts to refurbish a disused bowling green in Clarence Park.

Youngsters from St John with St Mark and St Joseph & St Bede took part in a competition to design the bug houses which were built next to the Green Community Cafe this week.

Local social care provider Persona runs the cafe which also provides day time support services for adults with physical or learning disabilities.

The disused bowling green at the top of the facility has undergone a number of improvements in recent months to create a safe play space for park users. Games including hide and seek boards, as well as musical instruments, play equipment and willow sculptures have all helped to transform the once derelict site.

Kat Sowden Managing Director at Persona said: “The bug houses are the final piece in the jigsaw for the improvement of what we call the Top Green. This had become a bit of a forgotten part of the park but with the involvement of the local community and funding from Tesco Bags of Help we’ve been able to turn it into a space which can now be used and enjoyed by everyone.

“The Green Community Cafe is now a local community hub which is valued by people who visit the park. As well as the second bowling green, which is still in use, there’s also a beautiful pavilion, and the centre we run which offers activities for people from across Bury.”

Kat added: “Bury school pupils, and the local community, have played a big part in helping us to deliver the improvements at the Top Green. I’d like to thank all those youngsters who took part in the competition which produced some brilliant ideas and designs. Their efforts will help to turn this area of the park into a haven for nature and wildlife and a peaceful and enjoyable space for people to play and relax in.”

The two winning pupils were St John with St Mark pupil Sofia Santos Nobre and Charlotte Myerscough from St Joseph & St Bede. Their bug houses have been made using wooden pallets as well as natural materials including logs and pine cones.

It’s hoped pupils will be able to use the bug houses for science projects and as part of the school curriculum. Persona also hopes youngsters from the schools will play their part in helping to look after the bug houses.

Persona customers and members of the public enjoy a range of services at the Green Community Cafe including games, social groups and physical activity and exercise sessions. The centre is also opened up to the local community, with bingo, debt advice and support and a Wheels for All cycling group among the sessions on offer.

For more information about what’s on at the Green Community Cafe visit the persona website.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pupils from St John With St Mark Primary School who took part in the Bug House design competition - including competition winner Sofia Santos Nobre (with ribbon in hair).