New project aims to revive Puddlebrook for young people
Tuesday, 27th November 2012.
A new project has come forward to bring the derelict Puddlebrook site into use as a BMX track and activity area for young people.
The idea has come from Suffolk County Council youth support worker Sergio Borrell, who is leading the project, backed by young people from Samuel Ward and Castle Manor Academies.
The aim is to raise funding for the project, which is being put together in conjunction with Haverhill Town Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council, which owns the land.
Puddlebrook, which lies next to the Clements estate, used to be the site of a much-loved adventure playground in the 1960s and 1970s, staffed by youth workers and containing a range of constructions for children to climb on.
However, it was closed down summarily by St Edmundsbury council, in one of its most unpopular decisions of the era in Haverhill, and which led to councillors who had voted for the closure losing their seats at the next election.
The reason given for closure was that it did not meet certain safety criteria, but residents suspected the real reason was the success and popularity of the playground which was unique in the borough.
the site became overgrown, but was brought back into use as a BMX track on the wave of popularity of BMX bikes when they first came in.
But it was not maintained and fell into disuse and dereliction again.
The new scheme envisages up to 800 unemployed people being used to clear the site and create the new environment, for which a model and designs have already been drawn up.
Local businesses have been approached to help with funding and it is hoped to have the finished site in place within 18 months to two years. The town council would then oversee its maintenance.
The idea has come from Suffolk County Council youth support worker Sergio Borrell, who is leading the project, backed by young people from Samuel Ward and Castle Manor Academies.
The aim is to raise funding for the project, which is being put together in conjunction with Haverhill Town Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council, which owns the land.
Puddlebrook, which lies next to the Clements estate, used to be the site of a much-loved adventure playground in the 1960s and 1970s, staffed by youth workers and containing a range of constructions for children to climb on.
However, it was closed down summarily by St Edmundsbury council, in one of its most unpopular decisions of the era in Haverhill, and which led to councillors who had voted for the closure losing their seats at the next election.
The reason given for closure was that it did not meet certain safety criteria, but residents suspected the real reason was the success and popularity of the playground which was unique in the borough.
the site became overgrown, but was brought back into use as a BMX track on the wave of popularity of BMX bikes when they first came in.
But it was not maintained and fell into disuse and dereliction again.
The new scheme envisages up to 800 unemployed people being used to clear the site and create the new environment, for which a model and designs have already been drawn up.
Local businesses have been approached to help with funding and it is hoped to have the finished site in place within 18 months to two years. The town council would then oversee its maintenance.
Comment on this story
[board listing] [login] [register]
You must be logged in to post messages. (login now)