Rundown play area gets new lease of life

A rundown and vandalised play area has been turned into a highly rated facility, thanks to a £34,000 improvement project. The new-look Appletree Lane play area at Roydon now includes swings, slide, multi-unit for climbing, swinging and rocking, a children's shelter, sensory garden, rodeo board on springs and new “fire- smart” safety surfacing.

A rundown and vandalised play area has been turned into a highly rated facility, thanks to a £34,000 improvement project.

The new-look Appletree Lane play area at Roydon now includes swings, slide, multi-unit for climbing, swinging and rocking, a children's shelter, sensory garden, rodeo board on springs and new “fire- smart” safety surfacing. It can be used by children with disabilities, and has been awarded three-star status by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Children played an active part in the council's consultation to help decide how the area should be improved. And district councillor David Goldson joined the youngsters and families at the official opening.

“This is an excellent project, and as a governor of Roydon Primary School, I am always immensely impressed by the sheer enthusiasm of the children in Roydon and their good behaviour. Both of these were very obvious at the ceremony, with the children eager to cut the tape and have fun on the excellent activity equipment in the play area.”

Before work started, the play area was under-used and a hangout for teenagers to gather for smoking and drinking.

At a RoSPA inspection last year, the site failed on many counts, especially on safety and lack of access or adequate equipment and facilities for children with disabilities.

The refurbishment has been value for money, as a newly-installed play area would cost more than £60,000. It is part of a comprehensive series of upgrades for play sites across the district.