Chard play area project progressing well (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Chard play area project progressing well

6:38pm Monday 25th February 2008 in Chard By Kirsty Maclagan

A CAMPAIGN to give a children's play area in Chard a much-needed makeover is still going strong, one of its organisers has told the News.

Andy Richards of the Bampton Avenue residents' association said that the community project is "coming along nicely".

The group was formed last May after people living in Bampton Avenue became increasingly concerned about the condition of their play area and decided to take action.

Andy, who has three children aged seven to thirteen, explained: "The park is such a valuable asset for the community, there are so many children in the vicinity and it is the only place for them to play.

"It was in such a sorry state last year we decided something had to be done."

For the past nine months the association, which has around 50 members, has been working alongside Chard Town Council to find the cash needed to make improvements.

"We have been meeting with ward members Cllr Jean Smith and Cllr David Mears on a regular basis to discuss our options," Andy said.

"They have been very helpful in pointing us in the right direction - there is money available for these types of projects, you just need to know where to apply."

Around £8,500 has been raised so far through a grant from the council and funding from organisations such as the Somerset Play Forum, which has been used to buy a new slide for the enclosure.

Association members also joined forces a couple of weeks ago to give the swings a new lick of paint.

But according Andy, the group still has a way to go before they reach their goal.

"As well as replacing the slide, we want to buy a new roundabout and landscape the entire area," he said.

"Realistically we are looking at about £30,000 in total needed to make all the changes we are hoping for."

The group will be submitting a bid for £5,000 needed to buy a new roundabout at the council-backed Opportunity Chard event, taking place on March 12.

They have also sent letters to companies in and around Chard to canvass corporate support.

"The project has become combined effort from the entire community," Andy said.

"Everyone has joined together to make it a success - from the children telling us what want to be included in the play area to Chard Town Council's continued support.

"We hope to eventually raise enough funds to give the children a play area they deserve for years to come."