Rabbits that were running amok at a village recreation ground will now be batting on a sticky wicket thanks to fencing funded by Arun District Council.
The Burpham Village Committee approached the Joint Downland Area Committee for help because the dilapidated perimeter fencing was allowing rabbits to cause damage to the Recreation Ground by digging holes.
Some of the holes were in the region of 25cm in length, 15cm in width and 10cm deep and it was not uncommon for ten holes to appear overnight, meaning several members of the local cricket club having to fill them in before play could start at the weekend.
The Joint Downland Area Committee awarded the Burpham Village Committee £1,500 from the Arun District Council grant funding provided to each the Joint Arun Area Committees and the organisation funded the remainder of the £3,000 for the fencing to be erected.
Kevin Foster, Chairman of Burpham and Warningcamp Cricket Club and representing the Village Committee, said: “The Recreation Ground is not just an amenity for the village, it is also a very popular place for many visitors, drawn to the area due to its beautiful setting, to bring their families for picnics and other outdoor pursuits.
“A properly maintained Recreation Ground would enable these visitors to continue to enjoy a safe environment and bring additional business to our community owned public house which, in turn, provides financial and other support to village activities.”
Councillor Paul Dendle, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Amenities and a Joint Downland Area Committee member, said: “Recreation grounds are often the heart of village life so it is great the Joint Downland Area Committee was able to provide assistance to Burpham Village Committee with getting new fencing to stop the rabbits from ruining this very important green space.
“I hope the volunteers at the cricket club can now look forward to the start of play without worrying about plugging rabbit holes.”
The Joint Downland Committee is comprised of councillors from Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council and town and parish councils. The committee decides on the amount of grants to give to community causes which help the Downland area.
For more information about the Joint Downland Area Committee please visit https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/about-the-council/how-the-council-works/committees-and-decision-making/county-local-committees/joint-downland-area-committee