Parents in Thorpe St Andrew have formed a group to improve the town's parks.

The Friends of Thorpe St Andrew Parks has been established to gather the opinions of other local residents and raise funds to improve the town's parks and play areas.

The group is focusing on Dussindale Park and Laundry Lane Recreation Ground, both of which are managed by Thorpe Town Council – which has agreed to co-opt the group as a standing item on its finance and staffing committee.

A consultation and survey have been launched through the group's website, asking other local residents and users of the parks a range of questions which will help direct ideas and improvements.

Chairman of the group, Emma Smith, said: 'We got together at the end of the summer last year after we realised we all had small children in the local area and were meeting in local parks for quick visits but if we were going for a picnic or something we were going elsewhere.

'We realised we've got some fantastic spaces on our doorsteps, they're just not being utilised to full effect.'

The consultation will run until the end of June, with Norfolk County Council also assisting the group.

Ian Mackie, deputy town mayor and chairman of the town council's finance committee, added: 'Over the last few years we have invested heavily in new play equipment for all ages, but we only have a finite budget, so to have a group of volunteers who wish to support and work with us to enhance what we have on offer is fantastic.

'The Friends' public consultation and survey with be of real value, and as a town council we look forward to seeing the results and working with the Friends for the future benefit of Thorpe St Andrew.'

To take part in the consultation and fill out a questionnaire, go to www.friendsoftsaparks.wordpress.com

Have you got a Thorpe story? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk