Councillor sets up action group with hopes of giving Waterlooville park '˜the revamp it needs'

Councillor Mike Sceal, who represents the Waterloo ward on Havant Borough Council, is hoping to see Jubilee Park in Waterlooville given a much-needed revamp.

The park, off Milton Road, has a children's play area, four tennis courts and a pavilion '“ all of which the Waterlooville Action Group (WAG) said needs attention.

Cllr Sceal, who set up the group, said: '˜The pavilion is a community building that is underused.

'˜It's used by cricket and football teams but needs re-doing so more people can use it.

'˜The children's play area has a lot of old equipment in. 

'˜I would like equipment to be put in place for those who are less able-bodied, for people in wheelchairs to be able to enjoy like everyone else.

'˜You can get special swing roundabouts for wheelchair users, we need to include everybody.

'˜The whole thing needs a revamp so more people can make the most of the facilities.'

The pavilion building was constructed in 1962. There is also a BMX track, bowls green, games area and grass football pitches at the park, and the play area was installed in 2001.

So far the WAG has about 15 members made up of local residents. The group's first meeting was held in the pavilion and Cllr Sceal said the community has shown lots of enthusiasm in support of it.

He added: '˜I told residents when I was elected I would look at the park and that's what I'm doing.'

As well as fundraising, the group plan to apply for money from organisations and community funds provided by developers building new homes in the area.

The council said the recreation ground is well-used by both football and cricket clubs and there is a junior parkrun which takes place every Sunday morning.

Additional play equipment for the play park, games area and BMX track were installed in 2008.

Works to improve the drainage to the grass pitches were carried out in 2007 and 2014.

Jackie Buckley, chair of the Waterlooville Events Team, organises the town's annual summer fete held in Jubilee Park.

She said: '˜We hold our team meetings at the pavilion but it's not used for that much else, it is really underused and need to be a place the whole community can use as a facility.'