The housing development is on Leigh Road { opposite St Michael & All Angels Church } and is  the site of the former “ Hindles Cottage Stables “ which were part of the Hindles “estate “ { Hindles Cottage is still there and still occupied }  unfortunately over the years the stables had been left to go into disrepair and dilapidation and although they were classed as a “ Grade 2 “ facility, the buildings and land were in very poor condition, because of this the whole site, including buildings etc were put onto the market to be sold, the sale of the stables created lots of local interest and were consequently bought by a local garage owner, and,  although they were grade 2 status planning permission was  sought to knock the stables down, develop the site, and build housing on the site.

Unfortunately whilst the planning application was being processed the stables, barn and storage units were damaged beyond repair by a large fire that engulfed the area, so, without the grade 2 properties the area was downgraded and planning permission was almost automatically approved, demolition of the burnt out buildings took place and then building started and Old Manor Park was created.

One piece of  the land  was a small but neglected and derelict area at the entrance to the Old Manor Park housing development, it was definitely a blight on the area and detracted from the new and quite attractive housing estate development.

A couple of the residents of the estate attended a Bridgers Community Group meeting to ask if anything could be done to improve the area, the group agreed to help with the renovation of the area and the creation of a garden with the proviso that the residents would maintain the garden following the renovation, John & Kath Urmston and Christine Ridyard who lived on the development offered to maintain the site, so, Old Manor Park Garden was created.

The Bridgers are still very much involved with the site and  help physically when needed and  also support the site by donating plants etc at seasonal changes.

Unfortunately because of the ongoing ill health of Kath and John`s caring duties, most of the maintenance is now done by Christine Ridyard, with help when required from the Bridgers.  Christine does a remarkable job and the garden is ALWAYS in pristine condition.