Hanwell residents celebrated the re-opening of a park this Saturday, following the restoration of its central ponds and waterfalls.

Ealing MP Virendra Sharma cut the ribbon for the re-opening of Conolly Dell, accompanied by Ealing Council Leader Julian Bell, Cabinet member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, and Hanwell councillors Nigel Bakhai and Ray Ward.

Residents attending the re-opening, part of a project to rejuvenate all of Brent River Park, were able to enjoy music, face-painting and mask-making.

The re-opening came after the restoration of large ponds, which have been dry for many years because of waterproofing problems, and the waterfall which fed them.

Ealing Council and local residents in the Conolly Dell Working Party worked together to develop the project and organise this weekend’s event.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to transform the park and its barren ponds into a relaxing haven. “It was wonderful to see so many people come out to enjoy the activities laid on for the day and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Conolly Dell.”

Carolyn Brown, Chair of Hanwell Community Forum, said: “The restored park, with its sound of trickling water, looks beautiful, and we have already received positive feedback from passersby who had been peering over the fence before the re-opening.”

Conolly Dell, almost 100 years old, is named after Dr John Conolly, a pioneering Victorian psychiatrist at Middlesex County Asylum in Hanwell.

Dr Conolly was known for his compassionate treatment of the mentally ill, especially his treatment of the mentally ill without restraints.

He later set up a private asylum called Lawn House in Hanwell, which included what is now Conolly Dell, which was used a garden to help relax patients.

Dominique Morgan, member of Hanwell Community Forum and the Conolly Dell Working Party, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing more ducks and herons on the water. “And it’s been fabulous seeing the children participating in the face painting, mask making and balloon modelling.”

She added: “There are not many quiet parks in the Borough and The Dell, an integral part of the Brent River Park, was always intended to be calm and relaxing in recognition of John Conolly’s pioneering work with troubled minds.”

The restoration work was funded using £42,000 from the Mayor of London’s Help a London Park win, and £85,000 from Ealing Council.