9:20am Wednesday 18th August 2010
FRANCOPHILES have been bowled over by the latest addition to a park.
The first petanque square in the Basildon district was officially opened at Lake Meadows in Radford Crescent, Billericay.
Petanque sees players throw a series of balls as near as possible to a jack.
All players have to bring along are a set of boules.
The project was inspired by player Paul Lewis and the Billericay Petanque Group.
It cost £15,000 and was paid for by Basildon Council, Essex County Council Community Initiative Fund, and Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea.
Kevin Blake, responsible for leisure and arts at Basildon Council, said the square had already proved very popular.
He said: “We might not have won the World Cup but hopefully in a few years we will be able to beat the French at petanque.
“You can see how popular it is by the number of people playing down there, particularly older people, who can use it to help them stay healthy.”
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