Park friends in peril as numbers dry up

A friends group which looks after the interests of a Black Country park could fold if more people do not come forward to swell its ranks, members warned today.

Membership of The Friends of Brunswick Park, at Wednesbury, launched 10 years ago, has dwindled from 30 to six. The group claims people are leaving because Sandwell Council is failing to take on board requests for improvements such as new footpaths. But parks chief Councillor Linda Horton dismissed the claims and said that parts of the park had been revamped.

Group secretary Councillor Mavis Hughes said: "I am very concerned that it could close, because the numbers have dropped quite significantly.

"Two months ago, I wanted to resign myself, but members of the committee persuaded me to stay.

"I think the main reason people are losing interest is because they are not seeing the park being developed."

The group is now urging new members to come forward to preserve the park for the future.

Treasurer Tony Mallam said: "The message we want to get across to the people of Wednesbury is that the park is there for them.

"We are keen for more people to come along and get involved because we are here to look after this wonderful park.

"I would just ask that people have a little bit more patience and good things happen as a result of making the correct decision."

Councillor Horton, cabi-net member for culture and leisure, said a number of projects had already taken place to improve the park, and hopes to secure funding for a skate park.

"As and when we do we will of course tell the Friends before making a public announcement," she said.

"I value the hard work and dedication of our friends group and we try to work closely with them.

"Brunswick Park is the town park for Wednesbury and a number of improvements have been made to it in association with the friends and other partners.

"For instance, we have opened a multi-use games area, restored the band stand, moved the paddling pool, refurbished the tennis courts and opened a toddler play area to complement the junior play area built in 2002."

For information about the friends, email mavis hughes4@wannadoo.co.uk.