A COMMUNITY group has today supported plans to transform a town park if funding worth �2.8million is secured.

Town residents were recently asked for their opinions on what plans to transform Holywells Park should include if the Heritage Lottery Fund grant is awarded to the popular park.

David Burton, who is heading up the plans, previously told The Star that he aimed to keep the area’s vast history and wildlife alive.

If funding is granted, the park would undergo a major restoration, with the historic Stable Block and Orangery set to be refurbished so they can be used by the public.

The Stable Block would continue to be used by the Green Bike Project, however other parts of it would be opened up for use by members of the public to gain information about the park.

Today, Robin Gape, chair of The Friends of Holywells Park, said he “generally supported” the outline of the plans.

He said: “The Friends Group are generally in support of the plans as a whole. There are things that do need doing, and things we would like to see. But the main thing is that the park doesn’t lose its history or wildlife – that is important.”

The plans could also see paths, shrubberies and ponds improved and special areas would be created to be used as an outdoor classroom and an entertainment area.

The entertainment area would be created for the use of schools and youth clubs, while a completely new area would also be created as a haven for teenagers.

Members of the public are being encouraged to fill in a questionnaire about what they would like to see brought to Holywells Park.

The questionnaire aims to get views on the park’s future in light of the funding bid.

Anyone wanting to put their views across is asked to visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/holywellshlf, where there is a link to the questionnaire at the bottom of the page.

What would you like to see happen at Holywells Park? E-mail to starletters@archant.co.uk