'˜Pocket park' opens on Hastings pub site

The site on Priory Road was opened by mayor of Hastings Bruce Dowling last Thursday (March 17).

Home to the Fortune of War Pub until it was demolished in 1970, the site had been unused for many years until members of the Big Local North East Hastings resident-led partnership decided to do something about it.

With the support of AmicusHorizon Housing Association, regeneration of the site included planting a hedgerow and bulbs, clearing overgrown hedging to open up the views across the valley, installing benches and an information board telling the history of the site.

The board also includes a map of the local area drawn by local artist Ed Boxall.

Big Local representative, Richard Street said: “This has been our first project and we were keen to do something to benefit residents here.

“They now have an attractive space where they can sit and look out over splendid views, it’s safe for small children to play and, once the hedge has grown, there will be food and shelter for wildlife.

“It has also allowed us to inform people about the history of the surrounding area.”

Mr Street thanked all those who had taken part including Alan Turner and Tania Charman, from BigLocal NE Hastings and Richard Spencer and Annette Jones from AmicusHorizon.

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