24/10/2007   D15/07   Downland

Downland Kids Make-Over Green Spot

A formerly neglected green area in Chineham, Basingstoke has had a major make-over following the joint efforts of Downland Housing Association, The Arts Council, Chineham Parish Council and Basingstoke and Deane Council.

The unused land at St Josephs Crescent backs onto woodlands and was being used as a dumping ground for fly tippers, with surrounding fences being vandalised.

Downland Resident Involvement team were keen to make better use of the area, secure the fencing and provide something that would benefit the local people. After much consultation with the residents, particularly the children from the area, it was decided that a sculptor, Andy Frost, assisted in the design process by the children, would create a fence carved into a wildlife scene and a 5m high totem pole would be erected. The Arts Council donated over £13,000 and £500 was gratefully received from Chineham Parish Council.

Mark Perry the Chief Executive of Downland Housing Association along with Deputy Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr George Hood, will unveil the plaque today at 2pm at the site on St Joseph Crescent, Chineham, Basingstoke, RG24 8LW.

Downland Resident Involvement Officer, Anna Thornton said: “I adopted this project in May, and coming from an artistic background, it’s great to see art in the community. We are unbelievably grateful to the Arts Council and Chineham Parish Council for their generous donations. Andy Frost, the Sculptor did an excellent job at realising the local kid's ideas in the final piece."

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