VOLUNTEERS gave Hazelwood Road park some much needed TLC last month when they put up a new fence and cleared the area for the first time in years.
The Brunswick Park Residents Group decided it has had enough of the broken fence and overgrown weeds and decided to take matters into its own hands. Over two days in July members of the group, young and old, were given new fencing by Wiltshire Council and repaired the area themselves.
Organiser and chair of the group, Tracy Haslam said, “I can’t believe the support we have had; special thanks go to all the volunteers for their hard work and to the Swordfish swimming club for supplying the food to keep us going.
“The court had been missing fencing behind the goal posts for many years making ball games difficult for local children, and the weeds and trees had started to overrun the court to the point where children were getting stung by nettles.
“Our next project is to reinstate the paths and outdoor gym equipment around the park, which have fallen into disrepair due to neglect.
“What we’ve done just goes to show what normal people can achieve when they work together and the difference they can make. Hazelwood Park now looks amazing and I feel very lucky and proud to be part of the great community spirit that Melksham has.”
The group, along with the local community, last year successfully campaigned to save the park from housing development.
Now the group wants to focus on further improvements to the park – for which Wiltshire Council is responsible – and local area.
Town councillor Jon Hubbard said about the park facelift, “I really admire Tracy and the team for the work they are doing in their community. With the savage cuts imposed on local councils it’s great that these local people are still finding ways to improve where we all live.”
If you are interested in joining the group the next meeting is at Melksham Fire Station, on Wednesday 7th September at 7pm, or email tracyhaslam1@hotmail.co.uk
