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Westbury and Wicksteed listen to the youngsters

A large Storm Unit, Fantasy Funrun, Hang Glider, Springies and Spinning Seats are now gracing a play area for the youngsters of Westbury, Northamptonshire.   Wicksteed, who had been working on the project for quite some time with Vicky Hope-Walker from Westbury Parish Council, have just finished this installation which is already proving to be extremely popular.  As well as assistance from their local authority, a community action group and a Section 106 Agreement with a local developer, Westbury also managed to obtain additional funding for the project via “Awards for All” - a Lottery grant scheme for local communities.  It is hoped that a group may be formed to initiate similar funding for other play areas in the locality also in need of some revamping. 

These happy faces show just how much the new playground is appreciated

Catering for the play and exercise requirements of our young people is a challenging task with many aspects to be considered.  Westbury Parish Council made sure they involved the local youngsters in the early stages; after all, they are the all-important end-users - by asking them for their valued opinions about the type of equipment they really wanted to see in their play area.  Following these consultations at least 2 of the original play products forming part of the scheme were replaced in favour of equipment more directly suitable for teenage users.

Vicky Hope-Walker is delighted that the play area, which has taken some two years to finalise, is now being widely used and is constantly busy, and rightly says, “Involve the young people in the decision making, they will then reward you by taking ownership of ‘their’ playground.”

Further information on funding opportunities for play and sport can be obtained from e-mail sales@wicksteed.co.uk or telephone 01536 517028