Swaffham Town Council bosses are looking to line up a clutch of ambitious plans which could bring new and improved recreation facilities to the town.In a poll organised last week, residents outlined a wish-list for a series of leisure opportunities, including a swimming pool, a new cinema, an improved network of routes for cycling and walking as well as all-weather outdoor pitches.

Swaffham Town Council bosses are looking to line up a clutch of ambitious plans which could bring new and improved recreation facilities to the town.

In a poll organised last week, residents outlined a wish-list for a series of leisure opportunities, including a swimming pool, a new cinema, an improved network of routes for cycling and walking as well as all-weather outdoor pitches.

An application has been made for a

grant from Lottery funds to improve

the children's play area and buy play equipment at the recreation ground on Haspalls Road.

Councillor Sheila Lister said the authority was also looking to apply for £240,000 from Waste Recycle Environmental Limited (WREN), a body registered to fund green projects, to build a new youth room, a café and toilets on the same site.

She said CCTV cameras might be installed to create a safer environment.

Mrs Lister is also involved in a fundraising campaign to help enhance the recreation ground.

“Friends of the Swaffham Rec organise a series of events throughout the year, from

car boot sales, craft fairs and music in the

park to raise important cash for the Rec,” she said.

“Last year alone, we managed to raise £2,000 and we hope to match the sum this year.”

She said the money was available “as and when” should it be needed for improvements to the site.

“Last year my son, Ben Lister, who is a head chef, was involved as well. He and Sam Papworth from Papworth Butchers teamed up to do a food demonstration last May. The event was very successful and we are looking to repeat it,” she added.

This year, Friends of the Swaffham Rec which has around 200 members, are also looking to organise a picnic in the park and bring along a jazz band.

Mrs Lister who works with Carol Baker, a local businesswoman, said the group was hoping to piece together the history of an old pavilion formerly on the site at Haspalls Road in Swaffham.

“We don't know much about this pavilion which disappeared in the 1950s. We are appealing to people who might have pictures

of this building to contact us. It would be fantastic to hear from them.”

Anyone who remembers the pavilion,

has photographs of the venue or is

interested in joining Friends of the Swaffham Rec, should contact Sheila Lister on 01760 720 114 or Carol Baker on 07879416454.