Hundreds of local people attended a number of events recently in Mapperley organised by a campaign group hoping to save a local bowling green from developers.
Save Haywood Road Green Space want to save the land from being developed into housing as they say it’s the only community green space in the area.
In a bid to prove its popularity to Gedling Borough Council – who want to sell of the land – a number of events were held which included a Great Get Together – in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox – and two outdoor cinema showings.
Hundreds of people turned out to watch The Princess Bride and Grease at the Sunset Cinema Club; over 500 people turned out for the Great Get Together.
Resident Sarah Sewell said there was a great community sprit on display at the Great Get Together event
She said:“ It had such a lovely feeling! I’ve lived here for nearly 16 years and thought I knew most people, at least by sight if not name, but I was blown away by how many new faces I saw!
“It had a really lovely village fete feel to it!”
The Haywood Road Community Centre was recently saved from developers after Gedling Borough Council agreed to spare the building and will allow it to be run by the community.
A spokesman for the campaign group said: “Recently Gedling Borough Council decided to sell the whole site including the bowling green to a housing developer. After a lengthy battle the local community have managed to save the building and we are currently in the process of ‘Community Asset Transfer’ from the council allowing it to be run by the community. The fight to save the Bowling Green goes on.
“A committee has been established and also other locals have joined a steering group. A weekend of events was organised which centred around The Great Get Together in memory of Yorkshire MP Jo Cox, a year after her tragic death. The attendance at the event has shown how important Haywood Road’s green space is to the community.
“When properly managed, these facilities have the local support to make them a success.
Save Haywood Road Green Space – Bowling Green is on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/saveHRCC/ and also at https://haywoodroad.wordpress.com/