A new group of volunteers was formed on Thursday (February 19th) to look after Burnham’s vandalism-hit Marine Cove Gardens.
Sedgemoor District Council held a ‘Marine Cove Gardens Awareness Day’ in the Princess Hall where regeneration plans went on display and volunteers came forward to form the new group.
Marina Dunstone, Sedgemoor’s Parks and Open Spaces Project Officer, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’ve had a steady trickle of people visiting the event throughout the day and are pleased to have formed a new group to become the ‘friends’ of Marine Cove.”
Dave Ilsley – one of the new group’s members, who is pictured with Sedgemoor’s Marina Dunstone and Conservation Officer Kathryn Saunders – said: “Marine Cove is a hidden gem in Burnham and deserves some special care. We welcome support from other people in Burnham too.”
At the open day, Sedegmoor’s Harley Cook also gave residents an update on the bid for Heritage Lottery funding and the regeneration plans, pictured.
The Friends of Marine Cove will be meeting every 8-10 weeks and members will receive updates on the park’s progress and activities.
Staff and volunteers were on hand to talk about the volunteer opportunities available at Marine Cove.
In recent times, the shelters at the gardens on The Esplanade have fallen into disrepair due to vandalism and are currently boarded up to prevent further deterioration.
In March 2008, the district council made a submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Parks For People’ programme. The bid covers bringing back lost features such as a sundial, water fountain and seating, plus restoring the shelters and more.
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