With drainage improvement works commencing this week, Hailsham Town Council continues to invest in and maintain the Western Road Recreation Ground, ensuring it remains a high-quality, accessible and much-loved facility for local residents.
Established in 1855 through an Enclosure Award for the parish of Hailsham, the site has evolved into a central hub for sport and leisure. Today it boasts a football pitch, cricket pitch, four all-weather tennis courts, a children’s play area, sports pavilion and a large recreation area known as Beaconsfield, which was acquired in the 1930s.
The ground is home to some of Hailsham’s oldest and most active sporting clubs. Hailsham Cricket Club, founded in 1871 and one of the oldest in East Sussex, has played on the site for more than 150 years, winning multiple championship titles along the way. Hailsham Town Football Club, known proudly as The Stringers, continues to compete in the Premier Sports Southern Combination Football League, while Hailsham Tennis Club, established in 1905, has been based at the site for over half a century.
In recent years, the recreation ground has seen significant upgrades. A new all-weather perimeter path, funded by over £137,000 in Section 106 developer contributions, now enables year-round access for walkers, runners and cyclists. This was followed by the installation of bollard and column lighting, improving visibility and safety during evenings.
Further enhancements include:
A major upgrade of the children’s play area, with new DDA-approved equipment, resurfacing and additional seating.
Replacement and expansion of the outdoor gym equipment, funded through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions, ensuring it will serve residents for the next 10–15 years.
Approval for a new hard-standing surface to support the Hailsham Bonfire Society’s annual celebrations.
Plans for a beacon structure—a traditional brazier mounted on a pole—to serve as a focal point for community gatherings, symbolising unity and local pride.
Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Assets Management Committee, said: “The Western Road Recreation Ground is so much more than just a park—it is the beating heart of our community. Generations of residents have grown up here, learning to play, joining local clubs and making lifelong memories. We take enormous pride in the fact that this historic site continues to thrive as a place where people of all ages can come together, whether to enjoy sport, take a peaceful walk or celebrate with the wider town at community events.”
Cllr Laxton added: “The Town Council is fully committed to maintaining and enhancing this cherished space. From upgrading play and fitness equipment to investing in safer, more accessible facilities, our aim is to ensure the recreation ground meets the needs of today while protecting it for future generations. This is about creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment that everyone in Hailsham can be proud of.”
For further information on using the Western Road Recreation Ground for sporting or community events, please contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702 or email enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk