Play area work set to start

Work to develop a new play area in Rising Bridge is due to start this week.

The project will involve new play equipment for children aged 0-16, new safety surfacing, drainage for the play area and a football pitch and a picnic area, to replace the old and worn play equipment. New pathways will be installed meaning that the area will be accessible to all.

It will take approximately six weeks to complete.

A funding partnership has raised £92,000 for the play area, with money coming from Lancashire Environment Fund, Rossendale Borough Council, Tesco, Awards for All, Rising Bridge Play Area Group, Newground, Local Government Pocket Parks Funding, Jacks, Winfields and Lancashire County Council Member Grants.

Local people were asked how they thought the play area should be improved, and their ideas informed the plans that were submitted.

The project involves working alongside Rising Bridge Community Association and Proffit’s, Investing in Communities, and will provide the local children with an exciting new Play Facility.

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of the Council, said:

The new play park is the result of a very active community campaign to get new play facilities. I want to praise the residents who were the driving force behind this. It shows what can be achieved when everyone works together.

Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, Portfolio Holder for Operations and Development Control, said:

This is great news and will be fantastic for the children and families in the area. It did need work as the old equipment isn’t in a great state so I am looking forward to seeing the finished plans and the work as it happens.