A seaside town is set to make history after revealing its aims for the biggest ever revamp of its parks and green space.

Coordinated by town clerk Gill Gray and Cllr Robert Micallef, Westgate-on-Sea's town council is hoping to renovate the area, with plans pencilled in to take three years to complete.

Included on the agenda is the replanting of the train station's flower beds with wildflowers and the addition of new planters. Both war memorials are set to have redeveloped gardens and contemplation spaces.

Lymington Road recreation ground will have new trees and planting; Sea Road will be given a fresh lease of life by creating more attractive sheltered spaces using trees and plants to make an alternative spot to the beach; Canterbury Road's central reservations will be planted to create mini meadows; and a sensory garden will be built at the community centre.

But the biggest project of all in these ambitious plans is the intention to restore Adrian Square and Ethelbert Square with the guidance of Dr Dawn Crouch and members of Westgate-on-Sea heritage centre back to how they were when first constructed in the 1800s.

Clerk Gill Gray, who initiated the programme, said: The idea of the project was to bring all parts of the community together including residents, local businesses and community groups, and engage them in an initiative that would improve Westgate-on-Sea, help improve the environment and leave a lasting legacy for future generations."

This year, the seaside town will also attempt to gain eight in your neighbourhood awards, and hope to enter the 2020 south and south east in bloom competition.

Cllr Micallef and resident Denise Packer got the ball rolling back in December, when they planted more then 1,250 spring flowering bulbs in Lymington recreation grounds and the planters within the town centre.

The first official major planting will commence at the start of April, with plans to plants more than 400 trees and bushes across town.

Cllr Micallef joined the council last October, and was immediately inspired by the idea and took the mantle of leading the project alongside Gill.

"I thought the biggest contribution we would give to the residents, businesses now and to the generations of the future was to think big," he said. "The more I looked at the town, the more I could see potential projects and from there we came up with a three year plan to tackle every green space.
"Being able to help the environment, nature, and improve the look of all our green spaces is at the heart of the project, and we hope that we will encourage a repopulation of native wildlife such as the shrill cader bee, create meadow spaces, add nesting and bat boxes and even promote foraging trails as part of the initiative."

The bulk of the project will be completed using shrub donations, financial grants and offering and volunteers.

Cllr Micallef added: "Westgate-on-Sea people are proud of their town and I knew that people would get behind the initiative but I am surprised everyday at how many people want to get involved in some way. It is quickly becoming a hot topic."

To get involved, pick up a project pack from the town council officers or email admin@westgateonsea.gov.uk.