Lottery stories

Nothing strengthens a community like a successful project in which everyone gets involved, and in Hubberstone, Milford Haven, a new National Lottery-funded park has become the pride and joy of local people.

The Hubberstone Community Association were granted £24,876 by the New Opportunities Fund towards converting an area used for fly tipping into attractively designed community garden, multi-sports area and playground. The results have been spectacular: petty youth crime and vandalism have been reduced as a result and strong-cross community links have been forged, including with the community education centre and the community police.

'The park has been open 14 months now and it is a massive success,' says project manager Mark Hawkins, 'People are traveling from miles around to visit. The New Opportunities Fund money was one of the first grants that came through and we were absolutely delighted and knew it would be good after that.'

It has provided a major boost for the area, reckons Mark. 'It's a huge place with a junior area, a skate park, a football arena and benches,' he says. 'It's landscaped and looks absolutely fantastic. It's one of the best things ever to happen to Hubberstone and Milford Haven - money well spent. The kids have got a place to go and they consider it their area - it has been well looked after and nothing is vandalised.'

Mark even reckons that the site could be used to encourage similar schemes nationwide. 'To be honest, even the committee were surprised what a success it has been. I'd encourage the National Lottery to come down here and use it as an example for others, because it is making a real difference for everyone.'