main content Official opening of Richmal Crompton Fields

The development of Richmal Crompton Fields and its transformation from the former ‘Scrubs Farm Field’ took another big leap forward when it was officially opened in the presence of local residents. The new Bromley Common park maintains a ‘rural feel’ despite being located close to Bromley town centre. Residents who would like to be involved as custodians of the park and join the ‘friends group’ should contact the Council for further information.

“Even today, just watching local children spread wildflower seeds, it’s truly exciting to imagine how the fields might look this time next year, but this is still only the beginning. In Partnership with the local ‘Friends of Richmal Crompton’ we will soon begin planting lots of shrubs and trees in the Fields which will really make this place something special in a few years time” said Councillor Smith, Executive Councillor for Environment and Lesiure who officially opened the park.

The park was named after the Bromley authoress of the well known "Just William" books who lived in the Bromley Common area. Local residents who were consulted before the park was created expressed a desire for the area to compliment the existing landscape. The result was a design for an informal park with soft landscaping. The park features swathes of long grass, and will include specimen trees which will be planted this autumn. As part of the development the existing hedgerow has been increased and the wild flower seeds which were scattered by youngsters on opening day will provide a mass of colour for next year.

The Fields also feature a barn which was built to reflect the parks origins – as it was once farm land. The barn is designed to provide shelter for walkers and an outside space which will be utilised by local schools and other groups. The playground also has a farmyard feel – with animals and farm machinery items used. The park will be accessible all year round due to the path infrastructure.

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.  Alternatively visit www.bromley.gov.uk.

ENDS


Editor’s notes 

• Exact location - closest road is Lower Gravel Road – the park is at the end of this road, where it joins with Lennard Road. You can also walk across from Princes Plain and Whitebeam Avenue.
• The event was held on Saturday 22nd September 2007.
• Richmal Crompton, was authoress of the well known "Just William" books and television series screened on the BBC. The first 9 books were written in 9 Cherry Orchard Road where she lived with her mother from 1917 until 1928 when she moved to The Glebe in Oakley Road, Bromley Common, BR2 8HQ.

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670 e-mail andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk