THE changing face of Mary Stevens Park will continue to gather force next week with an official unveiling of the refurbished main gates and cafe opening.

A VIP opening is planned for next Tuesday (July 28) from 12.30pm until 2.30pm when visitors will include Stourbridge MP Margot James, Dudley's deputy mayor Councillor Mo Hanif and Adam Creedy Smith, the great grandson of Mary Stevens, whose family bequeathed the park to council control back in the 1930's.

The unveiling is part of a £3.1million restoration programme which is set to be completed next summer and will include upgrades to the park's railings, bandstand, war memorial and pool.

As a result of the ceremony, the park will be closed at the Heath Lane entrance this Saturday (July 25), while the refurbished gates are erected but visitors will still be able to access the park via the Stanley Road entrance as usual.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Dudley cabinet member for environmental services, said: "I am delighted to see the work that has been done so far at Mary Stevens Park.

“A very big thank you goes out to all of our funders, contractors and volunteers for their support and hard work. I am looking forward to seeing many of them at ‘Official Openings,’ as well as members of the Stevens family.

“I would also like to thank the public for bearing with us as we make temporary changes to the regular functioning of the park.”

More details about the work taking place at Mary Stevens Park can be obtained by going to www.dudley.gov.uk/parks