AN ACTION group is celebrating after receiving a £16,000 cash boost to improve a park which it fought to save from developers.

The future of Rochester Way Open Space, Kidbrooke, was uncertain four years ago when developers wanted to include the land in the £750m Kidbrooke Vision Master Plan.

The plan is a massive regeneration project which, starting next year, will see 4,398 homes built on the Ferrier Estate.

The Kidbrooke Action Group (KAG) campaigned for 18 months to prevent the green area in Rochester Way from being included in the proposals.

It sent a petition signed by more than 1,000 people to Greenwich Council on July 31, 2002, to keep the 5.2-hectare field the only public space in the area.

After consulting with residents the council decided to withdraw Rochester Way from the Kidbrooke Vision in December 2003.

Shortly afterwards, KAG asked the South Greenwich Regeneration Agency (SGRA) for £38,000 to carry out improvements to the land.

Now KAG is celebrating after receiving £16,000 from SGRA.

The SGRA works with Greenwich Council and community groups to raise quality of life for people in the borough.

Last week Greenwich Council installed four new benches and three street lights in the park.

And a new path will be laid around the rear of the field, which will also be replanted with various shrubs.

KAG chairman Albert Castle said: "We are pleased with this money but it has been a long battle and we are disappointed we could not get more.

"We still need to improve the four entrances to enable access for people with wheelchairs and pushchairs."

He added: "We hope by working with Friends of Parks we will be able to lobby other charities."

Kevin Walsh, 70, of Rochester Way, Kidbrooke, added: "When we think four years ago this greenery was under threat it is a great turnaround.

"The council did eventually listen to us and we have to give them credit for this."

Mike Hows, head of regeneration for Greenwich Council, said: "The SGRA is pleased to assist with this project which will help make the space safer and more enjoyable."