HOPES of breathing life back into the pavilion at Cheveley Recreation Ground have risen after the results of a recently-held survey were published.

At the end of last year, residents across the village were asked to complete a survey, composed by the Cheveley Pavilion Working Group, detailing what improvements they would like to see at the High Street site.

After receiving 120 responses, some strong trends were picked up in the analysis of the results.

“We were exceptionally pleased with the number of surveys that were returned and we’re grateful to both Cheveley Post Office and Cheveley Primary School for taking them in on our behalf,” said Richard Jackson, chairman.

“The most popular facilities that people would like to see at the Recreation Ground are a cricket pitch and a village hall.

A significant number of people would also like to see provision for mini soccer, tennis and indoor keep-fit classes.”

Delighted with the large response, Mr Jackson said he believed that the figure may have been influenced by an added incentive for those returning their form.

“I’ve no doubt that the rate of return was improved by the fact that we awarded a £50 Waitrose voucher in a prize draw,” he said. “But it also points to a general desire to see some improvements to the facilities at the Recreation Ground.

“The findings have now given us a real sense of purpose and members are committed to carrying out further consultation with existing groups in the village, so that we can determine demand for any new facilities and avoid treading on any toes.

“Alongside that process, we will be preparing plans and applying for funding from a range of sources.”

In addition to asking residents about shaping the future of the pavilion, the survey also raised the issue of whether villagers would be keen on supporting activities to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

As a result, plans are now being drawn up to host a Jubilee lunch at the venue.

A meeting to discuss the initiative will be held at the pavilion at 7pm on February 29.

Anybody wishing to attend should contact Ian Jackson on ianjackson 1973@gmail.com.

A WOMAN suffered a minor neck injury when her car collided with a lorry on the A142 Soham bypass last Monday.

Emergency services arrived at the scene at 7.30pm, where the woman was trapped in her car.

She was released by firefighters and taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The driver of the lorry was not injured.

PUPILS from Fordham Primary School put their numeracy skills to the test in the name of a good cause.

Youngsters at the Isleham Road school completed a sponsored maths challenge and raised £1,800 for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and ChildLine.

Headteacher Kevin Bullock said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted with the support of parents and pupils in raising this fantastic amount.”

The whole school got involved by completing the challenge at home and collecting sponsorship from friends and family.

Pupils were presented with a badge when they returned the completed challenge to school.

Assistant headteacher Natalie Harvey and some of the school’s pupils, presented a cheque to Fiona Westwood, NSPCC school organiser, at a special assembly, which was held at the school on Thursday.

MORE than £800 worth of baled hay was stolen from a field in Newmarket.

Between 2.30pm Monday, February 6, and 2.30pm on Wednesday, February 8, thieves stole 18 bales from a field in Barbara Stradbroke Avenue.

Anyone with information should contact Suffolk Police on 101.

TWO mini digger buckets were stolen from a building site in Mildenhall.

The incident took place just off the Bury Road at around 9pm on Saturday, January 21.

Two male suspects, who have been described as average height and of a medium build, entered the site through some temporary fencing.

Both men were wearing dark jackets and jeans and left the scene driving a dark hatchback.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Paul Downey from the Crime Investigation Bureau on 101.