THE group set up to monitor a Worcester park's transformation into a top open-air leisure facility has dwindled to just a handful of members.

Despite more than a 100 people signing up to form the Friends of Cripplegate Park in March 2003, the group's last meeting drew more city council officers than members of the public.

The city's conservation officer, Warwick Neale, said the next few months could witness the most far-reaching changes to the park and locals are in danger of missing-out on a golden opportunity to shape the park's future and bid for thousands of pounds of cash.

"Regeneration of the city's riverside, parks and open spaces is a major priority," said Mr Neale.

"On the drawing-board are exciting plans for the whole riverside area, starting at Cripplegate Park and extending along Pitchcroft to a greatly-extended Gheluvelt Park.

"But while the Friends of Gheluvelt Park are currently going great guns in organising themselves and successfully bidding for funds, the Cripplegate group is in danger of fizzling-out just

at the time when it can make a

major difference."

A year ago, public ideas for re-shaping the park included a new entrance at the St John's end, ornamental pond, skateboarding park and ramped river viewing platform, landscaped "events space" with seating and viewing platforms, and a tennis court improvement scheme.

Simon Geraghty, deputy leader of the council, whose St Clement's ward includes the park, said "new" land totalling 3,579 square yards is due to be included into the park scheme, resulting in an increase of 1,500 square yards of green parkland.

"The fact is that those who complained have failed to take into account the addition of several key sites currently used for other purposes and earmarked for inclusion into the park's greenspace areas," he said.

The group's next meeting takes place in the Communal Room at Dancox House in St Clement's Close, St John's, on Thursday, April 29, at 7.30pm. For further information contact Warwick Neale on 01905 722364.