History
Hope Street Park or Hope Street open space as it was called, has long been neglected and in need of development. It has over the years become a magnet for anti social behaviour especially during the Summer months and has lacked any real investment in developing it into a much needed recreational space for the local community.
Although residents complained much about it, there has never been a commitment to, or a co-ordinated and ongoing effort to help bring about the much needed changes.
The friends group came about through a local PACT meeting at which a group of residents answered the call of local councillor Lesley Faulkner, to get involved in helping to bring about change. These residents had all been affected in some way either through anti social behaviour or the total lack of facilities for their children.
The group aims to make physical changes to the park that will reflect the needs of local residents and seeks to encourage them to adopt the park and help restore community spirit and a sense of ownership.