Further Upgrades Completed at the Maurice Thornton Playing Field

Hailsham Town Council has carried out a series of major access and facility improvements at the Maurice Thornton Playing Field, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining public open spaces and recreational areas to the highest standard for residents, local sports clubs and the wider community.

Recently completed works have included the creation of a new vehicle crossover on Marshfoot Lane and installation of a vehicle access gate, designed to improve entry to the site for both maintenance purposes and community use.

In addition, the Council has continued its programme of playground upgrades across the town with the installation of a new team swing at the Maurice Thornton children’s play area last year, alongside significant improvements to existing equipment. These include a new 30-metre aerial zipwire, replacement of a broken inclusive roundabout and a complete overlay of the wet-pour surfacing to enhance safety.

Further investment has also been made at the Tony Tack Memorial Skate Park, situated on the Maurice Thornton site, where the Town Council has completed a programme of improvements and repair works. The project involved extending sections of the facility, repairing and resealing concrete surfaces and enhancing overall safety and usability for both skaters and BMX riders.

A total of £31,000, funded through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions, was allocated to the skate park works, ensuring the facility remains a safe and inclusive space for young people in Hailsham. Opened in 2012 and named in honour of Tony Tack, a respected local figure dedicated to youth initiatives, the skate park continues to provide an important outlet for physical activity and community engagement.

Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Assets Management Committee, said: “The Maurice Thornton Playing Field is a vital recreational hub for our town, and the Council is proud to have delivered such a wide range of improvements for residents and local sports clubs. From new playground equipment to skate park upgrades and the most recently completed access improvements, these investments reflect our commitment to providing safe, modern and enjoyable spaces that benefit the whole community.”

Operations and Facilities Manager Tony Lee added: “The latest improvements at Maurice Thornton Playing Field are part of our long-term strategy to modernise and future-proof Hailsham’s recreational assets. The site is home to junior football, a much-loved skate park and well-used play areas, and these upgrades ensure that residents of all ages can continue to enjoy the facilities for many years to come.”

The Maurice Thornton Playing Field remains home to several junior football pitches and the Hailsham United Junior Football Club, established in 1982 and now boasting over 200 players and 28 FA-trained coaches. The site also hosts an outdoor gym, providing equipment for rowing, stepping, arm exercises and weight training — further strengthening its role as a centre for health, fitness and recreation in the community.

For more information about Hailsham Town Council’s ongoing investment in public open spaces, please call 01323 841702 or email enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.