Meeting hears ways to improve Aldwick

The Friends of Avisford Park group would be able to seek funds to enable the holiday fun to continue at the recreation ground in Rose Green.

The appeal for founders of the organisation to come forward was made by Aldwick parish councillor Molly Myers at a meeting on Monday (February 4) to get ideas about improving the area.

She said she hoped a Friends group would result from residents’ desire to improve the area and provide enjoyment for all ages.

“Last year, the parish council put a lot of money into providing, with Arun District Council, Play Rangers throughout the school holidays,” she said.

“At times, there were more than a hundred children that enjoyed the play facilities, put on twice a week at Avisford Park and twice a week at West Park.

“They were thoroughly enjoyed by children and parents alike.”

The sessions were funded by the councils and the lottery.

But the lottery funding ended leaving the councils unable to pay for the Play Rangers on their own.

“A Friends group has been formed at West Park to get funding from various sources,” said Cllr Myers. “We have yet to get to the point of having a group for Avisford Park.

“The only way to get these facilities there again is if we get a Friends of Avisford Park going.”

Her comments formed part of the contributions at the public meeting to the formation of the parish council’s first five-year business plan.

Pete Nicholls, vice-chairman of West Meads Residents’ Assocation, said it would like to see trees and shrubs re-instated around the Queen’s Field basketball area. “If a ball bounces out, it bounces into the road,” he said.

He also wanted thought given to protect popular areas from development.

“We don’t want to lose some of the things that make this area a bit unique. People move into this area because of what they like and see,” he said.

Other ideas for the plan include improving the three children’s play areas. Those ideas chosen will be in a draft plan ready in June.