By Patrick Widdess

Carden Park in Hollingbury will be protected as a green space and recreational area thanks to campaigners' efforts.

Protection was awarded by national conservation charity Fields in Trust.

Mayor Denise Cobb joined campaigners to celebrate the news at Asda’s Crowhurst Road store on September 28.

The supermarket supported the nomination which was led by campaigners from the Old Boat Corner Community Association.

Association member Patrick Lowe said: “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by dedicated individuals.”

Chairman Elizabeth Clift said she was happy the park was protected after spending over a year on the application.

The Old Boat Community Centre on Carden Hill regularly uses the park for events and recreational activities, and it is constantly used by other groups and individuals.

It is also an important area for wildlife with a habitat for butterflies being created under Natural England’s Nature Improvement Area programme.

Land had come under threat from development proposals including a medical centre and an access road.

The park has been granted protection through the Fields in Trust Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

It aims to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and London Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the 2014 Commonwealth Games by permanently protecting as many outdoor recreational spaces as possible.