main content St Mary Cray friends of parks group launched

The first meeting of a new friends group has been held for residents keen to make a difference to the green spaces local to St Mary Cray. Over 12 committed individuals attended the Police Community Support inspired meeting, in partnership with Bromley Council, to discuss ideas for improving St Mary Cray Recreation Ground, Riverside Park, Sandway Road Park and St Paul’s Cray Recreation Ground. Residents are invited to contact the Council to find out more about becoming a ‘friend’.

“We are delighted with the formation of this new group and are dedicated to providing on-going support and advice to enable the group to grow. We would like to encourage other volunteers who are able to contribute a skill or time commitment to get in touch. Volunteering is a fun way to meet other like-minded people whilst making a real difference to your local environment.” said Marilyn Wickee, Parks Project Officer.

Potential areas for action suggested by residents at the meeting included combating litter and graffiti problems, clearing vegetation in identified areas to make people feel safer, engaging with young people in the community and increasing knowledge of the biodiversity along the River Cray. Litter pickers, bin bags and information were provided at the meeting for those willing to get involved straight away. The next meeting of the newly formed group is planned to take place in June, all are welcome, interested residents should contact the Council for further information.

The formation of this group builds on the previous hard work carried out by members of The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) last year. The group expressed an interest in carrying out some volunteer work in the boroughs parks and open spaces. Tasks carried out in the St Mary Cray area included graffiti removal, litter picking and painting. Approximately 100 members of the organisation turned out to lend a hand on the day at sites across the borough.

Currently, over 2,000 dedicated volunteers belong to the borough’s ‘friends’ groups, taking positive action to enhance their local park or open space. If you are interested in becoming a ‘friend’ or would like further information on the borough’s green spaces, please call 020 8313 4471 or email landscape.helpdesk@bromley.gov.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The first meeting of the group was held on Thursday 10th May at The Hub Youth Centre, High Street, St Mary Cray

 For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk or Marilyn Wickee, Parks Project Officer on 020 8461 7521.