Bramley residents came together at a public meeting to officially form a Friends of Bramley Park group to help improve and bring investment to the park. Community reporter JEAN HOLLINGS attended Friday’s meeting, which was attended by about 20 people. Here’s her report:
Organisers couldn’t have been more surprised that on a dark cold evening in November Fairfield Community Centre was packed out for their first community meeting to ascertain if there was any interest in forming a friends group.
Bramley & Stanningley councillors Kevin Ritchie and Caroline Gruen and a representative from Leeds City Parks were present, along with passionate Bramley folk.
It was agreed that there was sufficient interest to form a committee. A chair, secretary and treasurer were appointed, with people offering to be on the committee.
Issues to be look at will include: Planting flowers in the rose garden; investing in durable playground facilities; improving the changing rooms and drainage; looking at education surrounding local wildlife; a bike track and making the park safer for park users.
Local community groups offered their support. These included:
- A representative from Bramley Park Bowling Club said they are happy for the newly formed group to use their facilities if required.
- Representative of Bramley Baths also stated their support to run potential fitness classes as did parkrun (5km and junior 2km) plus Bramley Breezers and Bramley Care Bears.
After the meeting, Cllr Ritchie and Gruen told WLD: “We were delighted at the turnout and enthusiasm shown for starting a Friends Of Bramley Park. We look forward to the group getting established and will fully support their future activities and continue to work together to improve our much loved park”
Details on how to contact the team will be published once set up. In the meantime, contact Cllr Ritchie on kevin.ritchie@leeds.gov.uk.
