Hard work by a parish council and a gift from St Edmundsbury Borough Council have transformed a previously under-used and unloved play area into a magnificent new amenity for potentially 300 local children to enjoy.
Barningham Parish Council has spent three years tackling problems that had previously dogged the area. A survey revealed that investment was needed in both the equipment and the setting, to encourage children back to play. St Edmundsbury Borough Council agreed to hand over the land and a contribution of £15,000 towards the total cost of £34,000. A further £5000 came from Havebury Community Investment Focus Group, £10,000 from the Big Lottery, Reaching Communities Programme, and the balance was met by the parish council. The children in the village were consulted for their ideas and the design includes traditional features and opportunities for unattended play which test their spirit of adventure.
Cllr Sarah Mildmay-White, St Edmundsbury Borough Council Cabinet member for Community said:
"I look forward to this seeing this play area come to life. Having safe areas for children to enjoy their childhood is crucial. We look forward to continuing to work with Barningham to improve the quality of life for everyone in the parish"
David Pettitt, Chairman of Barningham Parish Council said:
"We hope the new modern and attractive equipment together with increased lighting and secure fencing will encourage appropriate use of the facilities and draw young residents back to the play area. Finding the funding for the project has been a long struggle and we are very grateful for the support of St Edmundsbury Borough Council and the Havebury Housing Partnership who have stuck by us throughout the process."
Chris Allen, Chair of the Havebury Community Investment Focus Group said:
"We are delighted that the community came to us for a contribution as this typifies the projects that we are interested in supporting as they serve a large demographic spectrum of the area"
Ends Issued By Sally Easton, Communications Unit, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Phone: 01284 757046 email: sally.easton@stedsbc.gov.uk
