A VILLAGE is appealing for help to raise £40,000 to save its much-loved children’s playground.

Over the past 20 years, the playground in Down Ampney has been enjoyed by many children from the village and the surrounding area.

However, the play surface is now very close to the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced to ensure that children can continue to play here for many years to come.

The annual RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) inspection last year reported that the surface was medium risk, but it has deteriorated further since then.

If the playground is forced to close it would be an enormous loss to the community.

The removal of the old surface and its replacement with a new wet pour version would cost £40,000.

Down Ampney Parish Council has allocated some money to start the fundraising project and is appealing for help to ensure that the resurfacing can take place.

Cllr Ray Jenkins, Chair of Down Ampney Parish Council, said: “This is such a worthwhile project as it will enable the playground to stay open. The money raised through crowdfunding will allow the children to continue to use these facilities. It is known that children’s health and well-being is really improved by access to good quality outside space.

“Making Down Ampney children’s playground safe will have a huge impact on the families in this village and surrounding villages.”

To get involved or to donate, visit www.spacehive.com/down-ampney-childrens-playground.

Even if you are unable to donate, please visit the site and ‘like’ our page to show your support.

u CAN you help the village raise funds to resurface the children's playground?

The playground is 20 years old, and the play surface is now very close to the end of its useful life.

The sum of £40,000 is required to replace the play surface with a more modern version.

The parish council has set funds aside for this project, but more is needed to bring it to reality.

The play area is much loved and used not only by Down Ampney’s children but by those from the surrounding villages.

To keep this well used and loved playground open, please visit the crowdfunding site www.spacehive.com/down-ampney-childrens-playground and donate what you can.

If you are unable to donate, please show your support by ‘liking’ our page.

u TRUE to form Down Ampney villagers have also set about raising funds for the children's Playground through some old fashioned fundraising in addition to the crowdfunding site.

Villagers can show their support by popping along to 24a Down Ampney on Sunday, May 2, from 10am to noon and treating themselves to some delicious cake from the village cake sale.

Takeaway tea and coffee will also be available.