CAMPAIGNERS behind the installation of new play facilities at a park in Malmesbury have hailed the playground as being able to make a difference to the lives of young people with disabilities.

With £10,000 funding from the Area Board and Malmesbury Town Council, the White Lion Recreation Association has been able to install a brand new roundabout that is able to be used by children who have wheelchairs.

The organisation has also been able to purchase two new picnic benches that have got a longer table, allowing wheelchair users to sit at the table too, two more low benches suitable for children and a ‘zigzagged stepper’, a new addition to the activity trail.

Tracey Martin, chair of the White Lion Recreation Association, said the new facilities will allow disabled and able bodied children to play together.

“I think it shows that we’re thing about disabled people and taking into account their requirements”, she said.

“The roundabout is in the main part of the park and anyone can use it, able bodied or otherwise, and that’s the idea, it’s about being inclusive."

Tracey also thanked the Area Board and Malmesbury Town Council for their input in funding the project.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the funding from the Area Board and the town council”, said Tracey.

“We were starting to wonder how we could raise funds locally and that route was proving quite difficult so without them coming forward we wouldn’t have been able to proceed.

“We are hoping to add some more facilities in the park but need to raise more funds first.

“It’s beyond our means at the moment but we would love to tarmac the paths as they are stoney at the moment which is not ideal for wheelchair users.”