A bid for the multi-million pound transformation of Walsall Arboretum has been put on hold as council chiefs look to secure a further £1 million to complete the project.

Plans for a £7.9 million refurbishment of the town’s premier park were due to be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund this month but have now been delayed until the summer.

Bosses at Walsall Council have insisted this is to allow people more time to comment on the proposals and not because they have so far failed to find the funds they need.

It has been revealed the council still needs to find £1.1 million.

Leisure and culture chief Councillor Louise Harrison said: “We’re on course to hear whether our bid is successful in the autumn. That hasn’t changed.

“A bid submission for phase two of the Arboretum restoration project will be made in June. We’ve extended the date so that it gives us extra time to listen to what people are saying over what they would like to see in their park.”

It emerged last month that the Arboretum revamp project including a visitor centre, restoring the Grade II-listed boathouse and bandstand, a youth play facility and a range of other landscaping work could be scaled back. The restoration programme is planned to take place between early 2010 and 2012 and council chiefs insist this timescale is not in jeopardy as a decision from the lottery is not due until the autumn.

The bid will be for around £4.7m, with council bosses having to find around £3m themselves. If the £1.1 million is not secured the level of lottery cash will be reduced and some parts of the ambitious project put on hold.