AN unusual crowdfunding campaign has been launched in Ilminster with townspeople rallying together to try and resurface a car park.

The facility in question belongs to Ilminster Sports Club with the tarmac near the Archie Gooch Pavilion dotted with pot holes and water damage.

The JustGiving page was set up by Ilminster resident Emma Carter, who frequently uses the car park when walking her dog in the area and has already seen backing from the sports club directors, other residents, and businesses.

Emma was initially aiming to raise the full £12,000 needed to properly resurface the car park.

She said: “The target to be raised is now £9,000 as there has been further fundraising and thanks to the fireworks display in November, locals have raised £1,800 towards the target and there has also been a further £1,000 raised in a separate fundraiser.

“So many people use the pavilion car park for charity functions, clubs, walking their dogs and baby/toddler groups so I’m hoping that because Ilminster is such a fantastic community, we can pull together and help.

“Fingers crossed, we’ll soon hit our target. A massive thank you to everyone who has donated so far.”

Chard & Ilminster News:

Work has not been completely finished on the Archie Gooch pavilion and its car park because, as the project neared its end, the building company responsible went into liquidation.

The Ilminster Sports Club directors are Darren Paul, Emma Jane Taylor, Andrew Fish, and Laurie McKinnon.

After the fundraising effort was launched, Emma Jane said: “We are absolutely delighted. It is a great facility to have and we always hoped it would be embraced by the local community.

“Every time it rains it gets worse. We fill the holes and then it gets washed away again.”

The sports club has tried a number of things to raise money, and are currently in the process of applying for a grant from the town council.

To support Emma Carter’s fundraising campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emma-carter-687.