Communities in Northwich now have an improved play area at Saxon’s Lane.
The first phase of the park improvements are complete and open to the public, providing the community with new toddler, infant and junior play areas.
Two local schools (Hartford High School and Charles Darwin Primary School) were involved in the project and the schools’ pupils gave their ideas on how the park should be improved.
The first phase of improvements is part of a long term project for the park.
The project has been brought to life through a partnership which has brought in funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council, WREN Community Action Fund, Veolia Environmental Trust, the local ward members for Hartford & Greenbank and Winnington & Castle, Northwich Town Council, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, and Tesco Bags of Help.
Weaver Vale Housing Trust is providing support for the project via the local Greenbank Community Hub and will be initiating a new community group.
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, Cllr Louise Gittins said: “The communities in the area now have a wonderful new play area; I would like to pass on my thanks to all of the project partners and funders who have made this initiative a reality.
“I’m sure this new facility will make a huge difference to the lives of people living in the area. I welcome the establishment of the Friends Group and I’m looking forward to the remaining two phases being completed in the coming months.”
Richard Smith, Senior Grant Manager for WREN, added: “It’s wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to children and young people across Northwich.
“WREN is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”
The Veolia Environmental Trust has awarded over £1.4m to 59 projects in Cheshire, and has contributed to Saxons Lane play area funding.
Its executive director Paul Taylor, said: “This play area is another example of how the Landfill Communities Fund can make a difference by providing a great public amenity that will be enjoyed for years to come.”
With the first phase of the work completed on site, work on the remaining two phases (the installation of a multi-use games area, skate area, jogging path, path connections, landscaping and playing pitch improvements) will begin in the coming months.
Pictured: Children from Charles Darwin Primary School join representatives from the organisations involved in the project at the official opening
