THE new trustees of the Angus Buchanan Recreation Ground in Coleford have launched a fundraising appeal to help bring facilities up to scratch.

The new committee was formed after the 41-acre site in Victoria Road had suffered from years of neglect and is now asking businesses in and around the town to chip in.

Andrew Barrow, chairman of trustees, said: “The committee aims to improve this very important local facility and create a sustainable and viable environment for the benefit of local residents and visitors alike.

“The immediate goal is to make inroads into this neglect and to a large degree this has been successful.

“The bowling green is currently being renovated by members of the bowling club at their own expense. It is anticipated that bowling will recommence in the Spring 2017.

“Urgent work has been identified to equipment and trees which is being carried out as finances permit.

“There is also a need to increase the apparatus in the children’s playground to accommodate younger children and estimates are being sought for the provision of such equipment.

“It is also intended to provide outdoor adult fitness equipment adjacent to the football pitches. An estimate for the expenditure is currently £30,000.

“We are making an appeal to all businesses in the area to help us with our funding for this quite ambitious project, if at all possible.

“There would be no maximum or minimum amount and indeed we would be grateful for any contributions or support that any company or business may be able to offer to help us achieve our aim.

“It is hoped that a board containing a list of the contributors would be put up in a prominent position at the entrance to the grounds.”

The Trust was formed in 1923 when the land now known as ’The Recreation Ground’ was purchased to commemorate the heroic deeds of Captain Angus Buchanan VC for it to be used for recreational purposes by the population of Coleford and district.