Residents of Southminster are being invited by Maldon District Council to join a group that will help manage and develop two new areas of open space in the town.

The council is asking residents to a meeting to form a 'Friends' group, a consultative body that will look after the future of the sites.

Both sites are located off Southfields Way. At present one area is mostly wooded with some open space and a disused pond, the other has an old orchard in it.

Rosemary Turp, Maldon District Council Parks Development Officer said: "The Friends Group will act as representatives of the local community and will ensure that everyone has the chance to express their views on then future of the sites. We would encourage people of all ages, abilities and interests to get involved."

Cllr Mrs Julia Peel, chairman of the Community Services Committee said: "These sites have been provided for the benefit of Southminster residents and it is important that these people have the opportunity to play a part in the development.

"Where Friends groups have worked in partnership with us at other sites, significant improvements have resulted to the benefit of all concerned."

A similar open space project, Oak Tree Meadow in Heybridge has resulted in the development of a disused meadow into a landscaped park.

The project has attracted funding of £130,000 from Maldon District Council and environmental agencies in addition to £100,000 from the council's capital fund and £50,000 of 'Liveability' open spaces funding from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The Southminster meeting is to be held at Southminster Parish Room on Thursday October 14 at 7.30pm.

Published Monday October 4, 2004

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