Exciting new vision for Halesworth park’s future is unveiled
A five year plan has been set out to improve Halesworth's Town Park PHOTO: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
An ambitious plan to improve Halesworth’s Town Park over the next five years has been revealed this week.
A consultation is being carried out to discuss various ideas for improving the park, which was created in the 1970s.
To achieve this, Halesworth in Bloom, in partnership with Halesworth Town Council and Waveney Norse, have applied for Green Flag Award assessment this year for the first time and will be judged in April.
The award recognises the best green spaces in the country, and it would significantly raise the profile of Halesworth’s Town Park.
Produced by Halesworth in Bloom, the Town Park Management Plan has been drafted for consultation with local interest groups, and, when finalised will act as a vision for the area.
Leader of Halesworth in Bloom Tamsyn Imison said: “We haven’t ever had a plan for the Town Park and it’s a really good process.
“We’ve made sure we have got a proper partnership going with Waveney Norse, Halesworth Town Council and others but I also want to really involve the community and make sure it’s a true community park.”
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Among the raft of improvements proposed are additional signs, wildflower planting and a Town Park leaflet.
There will be regular reviews, including looking at reducing litter, installing seating, information boards, the grass cutting regime and lighting provision.
A Friends of Halesworth Town Park group is being set up, where people can offer to support the park, either with money or time.
Alison Britton from the Halesworth Tourism Group said: “The park has always had a litter problem and it’s a bit shabby.
“At the moment, it’s more of an open space than a park but it would be great for the town to have it as a real attraction for people who come to Halesworth for a day.
“Halesworth in Bloom has already done so much and the draft plan is very well thought out and full of things that can be done. Give it a couple of years and the park will be looking an awful lot better.”
Other groups who are involved include Halesworth Business Connections, Halesworth Lions, the Millennium Green Trustees and the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Mrs Imison added: “We want it to be run by the community, for the community. “It should be a positive thing for the town, and the whole community.
“It’s a beautiful park, it has huge potential and we are very lucky that it was given to the town by a group of benefactors and we are determined that in five years’ time, we will get that Green Flag.”
To read the full draft plan or apply to become a member of the Friends of Halesworth Town Park, visit Halesworth Library.
Are you working on a project in Halesworth? Email the details to polly.grice@archant.co.uk
