PLANS to transform charitable land in Lowestoft with the development of an historic heritage trail and a park or recreation ground for locals could soon be unveiled.

PLANS to transform charitable land in Lowestoft with the development of an historic heritage trail and a park or recreation ground for locals could soon be unveiled.

New life could be breathed into a two-and-a-half acre site in the town bequeathed to the 'people of Lowestoft for their use and enjoyment' 70 years ago.

Since then, the land known as Arnold's Bequest, situated between the High Street and Whapload Road, has been largely dormant, 'in poor condition and underused', according to the Lowestoft Charities Working Group established to look into possible regeneration of the site.

Plans to reinstate the historic Arnold's Gardens were discussed by Waveney District Council's Charities Board.

An expression of interest has been drafted in recent weeks, which outlines a proposed �50,000 Arnold's Bequest scheme, and now the council's economic regeneration team looks set to 'make formal applications for funding' to various organisations, with a bid to apply for Heritage Lottery Fund funding 'to regenerate the area' likely.

With plans likely to include a new heritage trail telling the story of the Arnold family, the old beach fishing village and the 1953 floods, it was recommended at Monday's meeting that 'proposals are put in place to provide the best opportunity to redevelop the site in line with the terms of the original bequest - to use the land as a

park or recreation ground for the public.'

Issues surrounding the 'unauthorised usage' of the Arnold's Bequest land include: The outdoor seating area at Lighthouse Caf�; encroachment of garden areas by Homeport properties (two strips of land); the car parking area used by Homeport properties; the bin storage and meters area used by Homeport properties; storage of wheelie bins by the High Street residents.