Poppy garden opening in Haywards Heath to commemorate WWI

Haywards Heath Town Council has undertaken a project to regenerate a piece of derelict land by gateway to Burrell Road Business Park.

The land was identified as an area in need of attention by local businesses who met at a Town Team Burrell Road Action Group meeting.

In light of the Action Group’s comments, under the guidance of the town mayor Sandy Ellis, Haywards Heath Town Council legally adopted the land through a licence from West Sussex County Council.

The Council say the land has become a place where residents can sit and reflect on those who fell during World War 1.

The site will have wild flowers and poppy planting, a seat, a bin and a memorial stone inscribed with a poem entitled ‘No More War’ written by local resident Mr Piggott.

The project has been financially supported by all of the businesses on Burrell Road, West Sussex County Council and Mid Sussex District Council

Town Mayor Cllr Ellis said: “It has been a great pleasure to work in partnership with local businesses and the Town Team, to create a spectacular wildflower garden at the rear entrance to Sainsbury’s in Burrell Road.

“The generosity from the local businesses, Sainsbury’s and Nuffield Health who will cater and set up for the event has been overwhelming and we have also had an anonymous donation. I was also pleased to hear and see all the positive comments that have been associated with the site whether it has been reports at the Town Hall or posts on social media.”

The opening will be held on August 4 at 12pm where a lone piper will play.