Council and democracy

Discover the hidden Wandle on a fun day out

Children are invited to make river markers to lay out the current underground flow of the river, which was covered into a culvert in the 1960s. There will be lots of other fun activities for all the family, including a teddy bears' picnic, and the Salvation Army will be providing free refreshments. Information about the park and how to join the Friends will also be on display.

The Friends of Wandle Park was formed recently by a small but growing band of committed local people who want to win support for improving facilities at the park and to get more local people involved. They meet monthly and are looking for new members to join them in their work to promote the park.

Working with Croydon Council's Green Spaces team, they are also looking at ways to use the £1 million windfall from section 106 money from the adjacent Barratt Homes development site on the Purley Way.

There are plans to bring the river back to the surface once again and the council is working with the Environment Agency (EA) to explore options to reinstate the Wandle through the park. Detailed feasibility studies are being undertaken by specialist consultants appointed by the EA.

Croydon's cabinet member for culture and sport, Councillor Steve Hollands, said: "Wandle Park has gone through many transformations during its lifetime and forms a vital part of Croydon's heritage. Why not come along on 8 June, have lunch in the park and learn more about its history and that of the Wandle?

"It promises to be a great afternoon and will be a fitting formal launch for the Friends of Wandle Park, who need more people to get involved in the valuable work they are doing."

Longer term proposals for the area include the development of a Wandle Regional Park linking the landscape, parks, access routes, residential and regeneration areas together from the source of the Wandle in Croydon all the way to the Thames.

More information about the Hidden Wandle fun day is available from Meike Weiser on 020 8726 6000.

If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Wandle Park, visit their website, www.wandlepark.com.