The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is earmarking over £1m for the London Borough of Bexley to restore parkland around Danson House in Bexleyheath.

The application for funds submitted by the borough focussed on re-creating the original setting of the Grade I listed building in relation to its surrounding landscape with concentration on improving public access and facilities.

Sue Bowers, the HLF's manager for London said: 'We look forward to working with the London Borough of Bexley to develop its proposals for making Danson Park a fantastic local recreational resource as well as a unique historical site to inspire and be enjoyed by future generations.'

Plans proposed for the park include a new children's playground and a historic viewing site and picnic area.

Last month (May) a government green spaces taskforce report warned of a two-tier culture of leisure in Britain as people pay for private health centres in preference to using run-down public parks.

New Vision for Future of Parks and Green Spaces, recommends a £500m injection to revive urban green spaces and regenerate social trust and calls for a national agency to locate park funding mechanisms and give advice.

The HLF has made over 8,800 grants, worth £2bn, to UK projects including 529 grants in London totalling over £463m. Details www.hlf.org.uk