Five years of fundraising came to fruition on Friday (November 7) when the final phase of the village's long-awaited GAP (Get Active Pathway) project was formally opened.

In total this crowns almost 15 years of funding for Village Hall projects, which has raised more than £500,000 to improve the area and make it safe and attractive for both residents and visitors.

Representatives from all groups which helped raise the cash were invited to join Cllrs Gavin Blake Coggins and Kelvin Williams of Wealden District Council at last week's ribbon cutting ceremony. Running club the Hailsham Harriers declared the track 'open' by racing around it.

The GAP project was finished in three phases. This, the final section to build a pathway around the lower field, finally opened when sufficient funds were raised by WDC, a Crowdfunder campaign, the CLIF Fund and Sport England. Contract work started at the end of July.

Cllrs Gavin Blake Coggins and Kelvin Williams of Wealden District Council at last week's ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo: Horam Village Hall

placeholder image — Cllrs Gavin Blake Coggins and Kelvin Williams of Wealden District Council at last week's ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo: Horam Village Hall

A full figure-of-eight pathway, measuring exactly one kilometer is already open. This second phase, a BMX and scooter pump track, was also supported by Crowdfunding as well as Por-Eco and grants from Veolia and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

The first phase, a 590 metre long, 1.5m wide all-weather pathway was officially opened in 2023 by Nusrat Ghani MP. Money for this came from Veolia, Horam Parish Council and the Biffa Awards.

Leigh Anne Skeggs from Horam Village Hall who piloted much of the fundraising campaign said: "We are thrilled we were able to make this happen. I made so many applications. Lots were turned down but some came through to support us. Our next project is to create a community orchard and plant 12 fruit trees on a triangular section of the bottom field."