RESIDENTS are strongly backing a project to give a new lease of life to a Downend green space.
More than 50 people attended each of two meetings to launch the newly-formed Friends of Hill House Park in October and November.
The organisation is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the open space next to Hill House Road, which was once a playing field for Page School for Girls and then Downend School.
Since the school buildings were demolished in 2008 the park has been used as an open space, and is particularly popular with dog walkers.
The Friends group is aiming to enhance its value to the community and the environment with projects to plant new hedgerows and trees, and create a wildlife pond.
A new path to make the park accessible to wheelchair users has also been suggested.
The project is being promoted by South Gloucestershire Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward councillor Katie Cooper, with backing from Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council.
A committee has been elected to lead the group.
Cllr Cooper, who chairs the group, said: “This isn’t just about preserving what we have – it’s about creating something even better for future generations.
“The park has incredible potential to become a thriving ecosystem, while continuing to serve our community’s recreational needs.”
Friends secretary Annette Britton said: “It’s somewhere calmer to come than Page Park – it’s a different environment.”
Among those who has joined up is Tracey Horton, who lives nearby.
She said: “For me, it’s a wildlife corridor – we’ve started getting hedgehogs in our gardens and we’re convinced they’re coming from here.
“We need to support and help local wildlife.
“This would complement Page Park.”
Some residents have also expressed concerns that if more is not made of the park it could be earmarked for development in the future.
The park does not appear as a potential development site on any of the maps published as part of the council’s Local Plan consultation last year or its earlier ‘call for sites’.
After a site visit to identify existing habitats and share ideas for improvements on November 23, the group is due to hold its next meeting on January 23 at Aspirations Hall in Hill House Road, near the junction with South View, at 7pm. All are welcome.
Anyone interested in joining the Friends should call 0779 003 9332, email katie.cooper@southglos.gov.uk or ambritton67@outlook.com.