I'm willing but think that some sort of Trust is a good idea first as there may be tax efficiencies to be gained ie like charities get tax relief on donations. Some of the local businesses such as Sainsburys would be a great idea as suggested. There would be lots of support from local parents I'm sure as well. I'm keen to get involved but will be very time poor over the next few months but will do what I can. I also think we need to look afresh at the design; its not good to have the beach area so close to a major road where the gate is usually left open so would like to suggest some sort of cattle gate ( like you have on country walks etc) which is staggered to stop kids running straight out into the road but allows people and buggies to come and go. As a parent of a small child I would like to be able to leave her to get on with playing there and to allow her some independence but she has run straight out the gate before when the ice cream van appears. Thankfully she stops at the van but its worrying all the same.

I gather that swings are going out of fashion in Europe for safety reasons ie small children running in front of them and getting walloped in the head) but not sure if thats the reason these were removed here. Greenwich Park has installed barriers in front of theirs. My friend who lives in Paris says that they are removing them in all public parks there. Perhaps some of the local councillors could comment on this?

So,is it going to be ' Friends of the Beach' or 'Amis du Plage( or even de la Plage).....New Forester, you sound as if you are dead keen to get going- fancy being the Chair?