For immediate release
11 February 2015
Contact: Carolyn Candish
Telephone: 01263 519682
Email: friends@northlodgepark.org.uk
North Lodge Park needs Friends
Opportunity for involvement in the future of North Lodge Park, Cromer
The launch meeting of a new community group to ensure that the views of the people in Cromer are fully taken into account in improving North Lodge Park will be held next month.
The inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Friends of North Lodge Park will be at 7 pm on Wednesday 4 March 2015 in the Cromer Community Centre (formerly WI Hall) at the top of Garden Street, Cromer.
This meeting will:
* give an update on the current and future management of North Lodge Park
* outline how the Friends will work closely with the managers of the Park
* launch a questionnaire to find out what people want to see happen in the Park
* appoint a committee that will protect, enhance and promote North Lodge Park as a place of recreation and enjoyment for the long term benefit of the local community and visitors.
Cromer Town Council has been negotiating to take over the Park from North Norfolk District Council for some time, and is keen to work with the community in managing the Park. In response, a steering group of local people came together last October as ‘Friends of North Lodge Park’ to help guide future developments in partnership with the Town Council.
Interim Friends chair Carolyn Candish said: “Over the last few years there have been several proposals for development in the park, but unfortunately nothing has happened, and North Lodge Park has become tired looking and in need of some care. ”
Much work has already taken place in establishing close working relationships between the Friends and Cromer Town Council in preparation for the expected change of management of the Park from the District to Cromer Town Council.
The public appointment of a Friends Committee at an AGM is the next step in the process to provide representatives with a mandate to speak for the community.
Carolyn added “If for any reason the expected change of management does not take place, the Friends will seek to create similar joint working arrangements with whoever manages North Lodge Park”.
North Lodge Park is the five-acre open space perched on the cliff-top east of Cromer town centre around North Lodge, home of the Cromer Town Council.
The park has been a public space since the late 1920s when Cromer Urban District Council purchased North Lodge and grounds for £5,500. The general arrangement of North Lodge Park reflects its history of acquisition and donations by many members of the public.
In 1974 the park and buildings were transferred to North Norfolk District Council following a Local Government Review. The North Lodge building was sold back to Cromer Town Council in 2005.
To find out more visit the website northlodgepark.org.uk or email friends@northlodgepark.org.uk
