Government's scheme to develop playing fields across the Island into community gathering areas now includes Pigs Field, on Bandroom Lane in Pembroke.

The field marks the sixth new area in the Community Areas Programme.

The programme was set up in 2005 with a mandate to improving the lives of the Island's residents by enhancing the environment in neighbourhoods.

Opening the community area last Thursday, Acting Environment Minister Derrick Burgess said: "We have already opened several Community Areas including Harlem Heights in Hamilton Parish, the Olivebank Community Field in Warwick, the Purvis Primary playground and field in Warwick and Ladies Chambers on North Shore Road, Pembroke.

"Today is groundbreaking, here at Pigs Field, because it marks the start of an exciting development that will see this area become a multifunctional community park.

"Works will include parking for cars and bikes, pedestrian and vehicular entrance gates, a refurbished basketball court, multiage play structures, a walking path, meeting facility, landscaping and more.

"This facility will be very important to the residents of North Pembroke which is perhaps one of the most densely populated areas in Bermuda.

"I encourage members of the community to take ownership of this park and to ensure that it is kept clean and that graffiti and vandalism never rear their ugly head — and that all who use this park can do so in a safe and friendly environment."

Also in attendance were Head of the Civil Service Major Kenneth Dill, Culture and Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler and members from the North Village Trust executive committee, who spearheaded the project while working with the public and private sectors.