Aldeburgh Town Council is delighted to confirm that it has been successful in the latest round of funding through the Government’s Pocket Parks scheme, receiving £25k towards the renovation of Kemp’s Field which lies in the heart of Aldeburgh’s permanently occupied residential area.

Currently, this green space houses play equipment and a football pitch, but also contains a large area of scrubland which is overgrown and mostly unusable in its current state.  

Cllr Sally Jones, Chair of the Property & Finance Committee commented ‘The council is thrilled to receive this valuable funding and is looking forward to working with members of the community to  create a permanent, natural oasis in an established recreational space for residents to play, learn, sit and enjoy the natural environment.’

Several community groups have already been approached for their views including the primary school, youth club and residents. Without exception, all expressed their backing for plans that would see this unused space enhanced and reintegrated into the park in a manner which placed emphasis on providing a safe, ecologically sensitive, beautiful, and educational space within which young and old may flourish. Proposals include a wildflower meadow area to attract bees and butterflies, planting of native tree species, seating provision, a herb garden, bird nesting boxes and a ‘bug hotel.’

Together with the support of a local landscape designer and East Suffolk Council, it is anticipated that work will get underway in the Spring. At the same time, ATC is intending to renew items of play equipment hoping that the refurbishment of Kemp’s Field will result in a space of which the local community can be truly proud.