Burgess Hill Pétanque plans in the pipeline: ‘We need something like this’

Mid Sussex district councillor for Dunstall Ward in Burgess Hill, Samantha Smith, said money for the project was secured from Sports England, and there was now concern that it may be lost if action is not taken soon.

She said the idea came from Ray Smith, chairman of Burgess Hill Bowls Club and also a U3A member, because most of the members who play the game in Haywards Heath actually live in Burgess Hill.

He enlisted the help of Samantha, and also won support from MP Mims Davies. The chief executive officer at Burgess Hill Town Council Steve Cridland has also been working hard on the scheme.

Samantha said: “I am really keen for this to happen, I think it is a terrific facility to bring to the wider community.

“Practically anyone can play it and any age. It helps youngsters with hand eye coordination, social skills and wellbeing. This is a game you can play alone or in groups!

“Over 50 residents have signed up to start playing when the project is finished and interest is still growing!

“There are teams from our surrounding areas who are also interested in playing matches and joining leagues and also the Burgess Hill Bowls Club members are also interested in this project too!”

The team originally hoped to have the facility at Marle Place, but said difficulties with the site meant they were now investigating other locations.

Ray Smith, chairman of Burgess Hill Bowls Club and U3A member, said: “It would be great to have it here in the community.

“Our town is in the midst of reconstruction, we are hopefully going to get a new town but it is very slow – things have been shutting down.

“We need something like this in Burgess Hill – it is a lovely game to play.”

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