Mayor Encourages Residents to Get Active as Town Council Continues to Support Local Sport

The Mayor of Hailsham has renewed his call for residents to get active and make the most of the wide range of sports, exercise and recreational opportunities available across the town.

Mayor Cllr Chris Bryant is encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take part in local sport, join exercise classes and enjoy a more active lifestyle by getting involved with one of the many clubs and groups operating in Hailsham.

“Staying active is one of the best things we can do for our physical and mental wellbeing,” said Cllr Bryant. “Hailsham has a strong and welcoming sports community, with clubs and exercise groups offering something for everyone – whether you’re a complete beginner or already active.”

“Hailsham is home to a wide variety of sports clubs and exercise groups catering for all ages and abilities,” he added. “They provide great opportunities not only to keep fit, but also to socialise, meet new people and support the local sports community. Many clubs also welcome volunteers, so there are plenty of ways to get involved.”

Hailsham Town Council continues to work closely with local sports clubs, organisations and partner agencies to support participation in sport and physical activity, while investing in facilities that encourage residents to lead healthier lifestyles.

As the tier of local government closest to residents, the Town Council plays a key role in promoting health, exercise and wellbeing, ensuring Hailsham remains a thriving and active place to live. This includes maintaining and improving public open spaces and recreational facilities across the town.

Residents can benefit from a wide range of sporting and exercise opportunities at the Town Council’s recreation sites, including the Western Road Recreation Ground, which remains a central hub for sport, leisure and community events. The historic site, dating back to 1855, is home to football and cricket pitches, four all-weather tennis courts, a children’s play area, outdoor gym, large green spaces and a modern sports pavilion. It also supports some of Hailsham’s longest-established sports clubs, including Hailsham Cricket Club, Hailsham Town Football Club and Hailsham Tennis Club.

In recent years, the Town Council has made significant investments to enhance local recreational facilities. In 2020, over £137,000 of Section 106 developer contributions were allocated towards the construction of a new all-weather perimeter path at Western Road Recreation Ground, providing year-round access for walking, running and cycling.

More recently, the Council completed the replacement of outdoor gym equipment at the recreation ground as part of a wider programme of town-wide improvements. Funded through the Town Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), the upgraded outdoor gym has been future-proofed for the next 10-15 years and is available for public use 24 hours a day. A second outdoor gym, maintained by the Town Council, is also located adjacent to the Maurice Thornton Playing Field in the east of the town.

“Residents can benefit from improved outdoor gym facilities at two locations in Hailsham,” said Cllr Bryant. “The recent upgrade at Western Road, in particular, has brought the equipment up to a high standard, providing excellent exercise opportunities for all users.”

All outdoor gym equipment is maintained in line with strict health and safety standards, with regular inspections carried out to ensure facilities remain safe, accessible and fit for purpose.

The Maurice Thornton Playing Field also continues to play a vital role in supporting youth sport and active lifestyles and remains the home of Hailsham United Junior Football Club, which supports more than 200 young players. Recent and planned improvements form part of the Town Council’s long-term strategy to invest in Hailsham’s recreational future.

Sports and exercise activities also take place at the James West Community Centre in Brunel Drive, which is managed by Hailsham Town Council. The centre is regularly hired by a number of well-established sports and exercise groups, including Hailsham Table Tennis Club, Hailsham Netball Club, Little Kickers and PW Performers. All of these groups welcome new members and provide further opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active, develop skills and take part in organised sport within the local community.

Details of sports clubs and exercise groups in Hailsham and surrounding villages, including contact information and membership enquiries, are available on the Town Council’s website: https://www.hailsham-tc.gov.uk/community-residents/sports-clubs-leisure-exercise-groups-in-hailsham/.