Youngsters in Fairford enjoy new and improved playground facilities (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Youngsters in Fairford enjoy new and improved playground facilities

5:00pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in News By Liz Day

YOUNGSTERS in Fairford are enjoying new and improved facilities at the town’s playground, as the finishing touches are made to a £20,000 refurbishment project.

Work to upgrade facilities at the Walnut Tree Field playground began in the spring and the final piece of play equipment was installed last week.

Cllr Martin Harwood, chairman of Fairford Town Council's facilities committee, said he was pleased with the outcome. "We try to provide the best facilities we can within the budget available," he said.

The work was carried out thanks to grants of £10,000 from lottery scheme Awards for All and £8,500 from Cotswold District Council’s Community Projects Fund.

FTC clerk Vanessa Lawrence said local residents were delighted with the playground. "The children love it and we have had positive feedback from the parents. It has attracted families from neighbouring villages," she said.

The new equipment includes a roundabout with disabled access, two types of swing, a climbing wall and a basketball net. The rest of the equipment has been updated and the whole area has been repainted.

CCTV cameras are also in place following previous incidents of vandalism at the park.

Cllr Harwood said the council hoped the facilities would appeal to youngsters of all ages. "We had requests for a basketball net from older children and we wanted to provide something for the teenagers, as well as the toddlers," he said.

Fairford Town Council took over the running of the Walnut Tree Field Playground in April 2010 and it was identified as a priority in the council’s community plan, which was published last year. The council pledged to ensure the playground provided a bright, welcoming environment for children.