Issue 346 – Big Lottery award will regenerate Welshmill Park

Frome Recreation and Open Grounds Supporters (FROGS) have been awarded nearly £50,000 funding from Community Spaces, a Big Lottery Fund to improve Welshmill Park in Frome.

The funding will enable the development of a bike track, improvements to the play area, and more seating.
“This is fantastic news for Frome,” said Alice McColl, FROGS volunteer. “We made the bid based upon what people have told us over the years about Welshmill. It is quite run down, but this funding will see it become a really buzzing green corridor into town, where people can stop, rest, enjoy the green space and meet up”.
The Community Spaces fund is managed by Groundworks UK. FROGS have worked closely with Frome Town Council who own the land, as well as a range of other groups including Wansdyke Play Association, Friends of the River Frome and the Black Canon Cycle Collective.
“Getting this amount of funding for Frome is a major achievement,” said Marjory Hatvany – FROGS volunteer and active cyclist. “It has taken 650 voluntary hours of our time to get this far. We are keen to hear from anyone who would like to help to volunteer time to help with clearance, working party days and children’s activities including bike events.”
Paul Wynne from Frome Town Council said, “We are delighted by the news that Frome has received this award. It shows that by working together, town council and local volunteers can generate real and lasting benefits for the community.”
Works on the park will take place between May and July, with a launch planned for August. Frome Town Council has contributed funding to support the project and will be managing the project. For more information about the Welshmill park plans see www. welshmillconsultation.co.uk.