Kirkby Stephen garden opened in memory of councillor
A new public garden has been opened in memory of a councillor who championed her community for three decades.The memorial garden in Silver Street in Kirkby Stephen has been dedicated to former councillor Joan Johnstone.She served on Kirkby Stephen Town Council for 30 years and worked as its chair for 11, and died in 2021 aged 73.Her husband Stuart Johnstone officially opened the garden at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and said it was a "special place for a special lady".
"What a wonderful way to remember her and for all the work she did to make this town so special," he said. "[It is] somewhere we and many others can always come and remember her and this beautiful place."
The memorial garden project aimed to create an appealing green space in the heart of the town.The garden's boundary wall was lowered to improve visibility and encourage people to use it. The park area was also extended and new sitting areas were added.It is one of a number of projects made as part of the Kirkby Stephen Town Centre Improvement Scheme, which is being carried out by the town council in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council.
Councillor Adrian White said the garden was a "fitting tribute" to Mrs Johnstone."It will be a wonderful place for residents and visitors to visit and to enjoy," he said.Kirkby Stephen Town Council chairman Paul Richardson said: "I am proud too that we have had the opportunity to remember my predecessor, Joan Johnstone, who made such a huge contribution to the life of the town by dedicating Silver Street Gardens to her."
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