Published January 22, 2021 at 11:35
2021 has started with some good news for the residents of Staghills. After a difficult year, this month will see the finishing touches added to the new Staghills Play Area in Rossendale. The play area improvements have been driven by the Newchurch Village Community Association group, with support from Rossendale Borough Council and the team at local community interest company, Proffitts – Investing in Communities.
Over the last few months the old play equipment has been removed and new play equipment, fencing, surfacing and seating installed. The waterlogged walkways have been transformed and the play area now even has its own cycle path so small children have somewhere safe to learn to ride.
Simone from Newchurch Village Community Association group told us ‘’we have wanted to renovate our neglected play facility and enhance the natural environment and green space in Staghills for a long time. It’s wonderful to see such a fantastic range of play equipment and residents finally have a safe play and exercise space to enjoy. The site will look even better in the springtime when the bulbs bloom and the play area is even more colourful.’’
Martin Proffitt, from Proffitts – Investing in Communities said that their team loved working on the project ‘’Renovating community spaces like this one is always a great thing to be part of. It’s been a tough 2020 for many families, and we’re confident that the improvements we’ve made to the play area will help people make the most of their time outside. We hope the changes help to keep children happy and active both during these difficult times, and also when we come out of the other side of this pandemic.’’
The work was funded by Rossendale Borough Council, Viridor Credits, Lancashire Environmental Fund, National Lottery Awards for All, Tesco Bags of Help, Newground Together and some community donations. The group have even managed to get support from Electricty NorthWest who will be installing a defibrillator on site in the coming weeks.
Alyson Barnes Council Leader said: “It’s great to see what can happen when community groups like the Newchurch Village Community Association and committed organisations like Proffitts come together. The council were pleased to play a part in this fantastic transformation, and I’d like to thank everyone involved. I’m sure the play area is going to be a great asset for the local community and it’s important we have areas like this where families and children can come play and exercise in a safe environment.”
A special mention also has to go to the pupils at St. Nicholas C of E Primary School who designed the new entrance signs for the play area. Their bright, colourful, rainbow artwork is a perfect way to welcome everyone in to such a great facility.
Please see web page for further information
http://www.proffittscic.com/community-projects/staghills-play-area/