Volunteers get planting to fill gaps in park

The enthusiastic ten Friends of West Park quickly planted 65 bushes to fill three gaps along its north-west boundary.

They spent just over an hour getting stuck in with their spades against the expected two hours or more for the task.

The gaps had developed because people and dogs had pushed through the previous hedges.

But a ditch also runs along the perimeter to make it potentially perilous for children and dogs who stumbled through the gaps.

The hawthorns, dog roses, crab apples and hazel '“ planted over some 20sq m '“ should solve the problem.

Friends chairman Gweneth Dennison said: "Planting the bushes is going to add to the park and make people more aware that it's not just a wilderness but somewhere that is looked after and cared for.

"Hopefully, that means other people will start to care for it as well."

The Friends were formed last year to turn their support for the park, between the seafront and Silverston Avenue, into action.

The hedge planting was their first project on the ground after arranging for bird and bat boxes to be installed last year.

Further work in the park is being planned with senior community parks officer Dee Christiansen, of landowner Arun District Council, and using the services of green consultant John Knight, of the county council. The county council paid the minimal cost of the new hedges.

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