Celebrations as Slinfold playing field revamp is unveiled

The £30,000 project at the King George V playing field has been a long time coming - with the wheels set in motion about a decade ago.

It includes a football and basketball court, new play equipment and picnic tables.

Despite some wet weather, the project was unveiled by Slinfold Primary School head teacher Laura Phibbs and Reverend Sandra Hall.

Slinfold Parish Council committed £20,000 to the cause, with Jane Slipper, chairman of the parish council’s recreation, youth and environment committee, leading the charge.

She said: “When I joined the parish council I was determined to get it done.

“Some of the money had been put aside for the playing field, it was just putting it into practice.

“We were hoping to have it done by Christmas but because of the wet weather it didn’t get finished until about a month ago. We opened it for Easter - it is much better than it was before.”

The new multi use games area was designed following consultation with young people in the village.

Whereas the existing play area was designed for younger children, the new facilities are more appropriate for primary school children.

The parish council received nearly £10,000 in grants towards the rejuvenation project, and employed contractor Proludic Ltd to make it a reality.

Children were treated to a number of games and activities for the fun day at the revamped play area.

Ms Slipper said: “We had a nice afternoon. It did rain a bit but we still did all our games and the kids had a wonderful time.

“We want to leave a bit of green space for the children to run around and enjoy.

“It is already being used quite a bit, especially the football area by the eight to ten-year-olds.”

She added that she was pleased Miss Phibbs and Rev Hall were able to attend as both have joined the community within the last couple of years.

Camilla Gibson, chair of the parish council, said: “Slinfold Parish Council is delighted to deliver this long awaited improvement to the area which will provide a year round play facility for all ages to enjoy.”

Ian Hamilton, area sales manager for Proludic Ltd, said: “Proludic are really proud to have worked in partnership with Slinfold Parish Council to deliver a high quality and unique play area which we are sure will be a huge success, and would like to thank Slinfold Parish Council, and in particular the clerk Mary Burroughs for her support and hard work in delivering this project with us.

“We know the community will see the benefits of having this great new facility installed.”

Local musicians Cherry Bomb, with singer Jo Bradford and guitarist Adam Hardiman were also on hand at the fun day, despite the damp conditions.

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