A NEW group is to be set up to help kick-start a £1 million project to regenerate Felixstowe's famous seafront gardens.

A NEW group is to be set up to help kick-start a £1 million project to regenerate Felixstowe's famous seafront gardens.

Suffolk Coastal council is making a fresh bid for lottery cash for the proposals for the Spa Gardens following success by other authorities in the county in gaining funds to refurbish major parks.

The seafront gardens are enjoyed throughout the year by all ages and the aim will be to restore them to their original Edwardian splendour and provide new attractions.

One scheme being considered is a bandstand or open-air performance arena to allow for concerts as well as impromptu performances from local musicians and actors, as well as visiting street entertainers, to bring some colour to the beach area.

Town clerk Susan Robinson said a new Friends of the Spa Gardens group was being established to allow the public to have a say on the future of the area.

The group will also give the area a little tender loving care - taking part in practical work in the gardens.

Mrs Robinson said: “We want to involve the Felixstowe community in the maintenance and the future of the gardens.

“There is quite an interest in the project and we have already had a number of people of all ages saying they would be interested in joining the group and getting involved.

“Regeneration of the gardens is a vital project for Felixstowe as part of the regeneration of the town.”

It is hoped to hold a public meeting to form the independent group before the end of the year.

Anyone interested in joining or seeking more information can contact Mrs Robinson on 01394 282086 or email susan.robinson@felixstowe.gov.uk

The lottery bid for the overhaul of the 7.5 acres of Edwardian gardens, which are on the National Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest, would be made on the basis of the gardens being a “unique selling point” to attract visitors as well as being enjoyed by residents.

The gardens stretch from Bath Tap to the funfair and include the Spa Gardens and the Town Hall Gardens.

Would you like to see the Spa Gardens restored and improved? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk