Members of the Imberhorne / Baldwins Neighbourhood Panel joined forces with East Grinstead in Bloom members to clean up a sadly neglected part of the town last Sunday morning.  The area in question is the road link between Charlwood Road and Hackenden Lane which is a public right of way and a West Sussex County Council Designated School Route.

Work started at 10.00am to clip back overgrown hedges, clear blocked gutters and pick up litter.  With the additional help of Mayor Cllr Steve Barnett the hardworking team had the area looking spick and span by 11.30 am.  Passing residents stopped to marvel at the transformation in progress.

The idea originated from the Chairman and Secretary of the Imberhorne / Baldwins Neighbourhood Panel, Norman and Julie Mockford.  They explained, “Our organisation aims to support any improvements in the Imberhorne / Baldwins area by reducing crime, anti-social behaviour and helping to create a better environment for our residents.  We have successfully organised several projects since we formed two years ago that have been very well received in the town.  This latest idea is to target scruffy places in our area that can be quickly improved with a bit of time and effort.  Following our initial clean up project we want to find out from residents in the Imberhorne and Baldwins area if there are other places in need of attention.  By recruiting nearby residents to get involved we can  recreate some long lost community spirit and pride.”

Three Town Councillors were involved in the clean up project, Cllr David Banks (Chairman of East Grinstead in Bloom), Cllr Christine Mainstone and Cllr Bob Mainstone.

Cllr David Banks commented,” The East Grinstead in Bloom organisation is much wider than just attractive flower displays".  There is much more emphasis on Community Projects such as the Panel’s recent schools garden project in the Lingfield Road Rec.  Residents working to improve their local public environment are of great importance and will help enhance the town’s entry to the South East in Bloom competition next year.”

Cllr Christine Mainstone added, “I was amazed at the speed we were able to clear the area with good team work.  Residents stopped to thank us and asked if they could be involved with the next challenge.  We all felt very satisfied that we had improved a well used local area.”

Cllr Bob Mainstone explained, “We have found that residents are very interested in getting involved in improving their neighbourhood.  What often holds them back is knowing how to start.  In the Imberhorne / Baldwins area all they need to do is contact the Neighbourhood Panel and we will put a plan into action.”

Neighbourhood Panel Chairman, Norman Mockford added,” I would like to thank East Grinstead Town Council for their help and support towards this clean up.  We now want to encourage Mid Sussex District Council to provide dog bins at either end of Hackenden Lane and West Sussex County Council to clear the road drains.”

 

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