A CAMPAIGN to get a local playground revamped has received a huge boost, thanks to a national grant worth £25,000.

The Friends of Baunton Lane Playing Field Committee have been hard at work applying for various grants to help them in their attempts to improve facilities at the Baunton Lane Playing Field in Stratton.

Their work has paid off and they have been successful in their bid for the National Pocket Parks grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government receiving £25,000.

The committee have also received the Cotswold District Council Community Projects Fund totalling £4,702 .

Sally Thomas, who set up the Friends group with a team of local volunteers said: “I’m thrilled to announce that our hard work has paid off and we have been awarded a national grant of £25,000.”

As well as these grants the committee have also raised money through local events and crowdfunding, including local Community Projects Funding, Community ward grants with support from both Stratton & Baunton councillors and the town council.

They have also received a donation from Stratton Educational Foundation, bringing the total raised to £34,000.

The volunteers have also been busy reviewing the results from three consultations that they have carried out locally and listening to what the community have said they would like to see improved at the park.

“Our next step is to engage with neighbours who are in close proximity to the park before engaging with the wider community to finalise the re-design plans,” Sally said.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the committee and those who have supported us through crowdfunding and other means, your support is invaluable,”

She added: “We are all very excited at the thought of having new facilities in time for summer.”

Sally, who has a four and a half year old son Alexander, started to raised awareness and funds for the revamp in 2018.

She has held several consultation events, online and in person, to find out what local residents would like to see for their revamped park.

Suggestions include more equipment for older children, including a nest swing which can also be suitable for disabled children, a trim trail, gym equipment and outdoor table tennis.

There was also felt to be a need for more shade and places to sit.

Visit Facebook Baunton Lane Playing Field (Stratton) if you would like to get involved.