Bentham play area set to open for summer (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Bentham play area set to open for summer

12:50pm Wednesday 8th June 2011 in High and Low Bentham news

A NEWLY-refurbished play area for Bentham is set to open in time for the summer holidays.

The project, costing more than £123,000, has recently been boosted with a £68,000 grant from Craven District Council.

And now work is well under way at the Goodenber Road Play Area and is expected to be completed by July.

Mike Wynne, chairman of the Goodenber Play Area Committee, said it was two years ago when they first started applying for grants to replace worn out equipment.

The refurbishment will feature new toddler equipment, slides, an aerial runway, willow tunnels and a timber adventure trail.

“To have secured funds to be able to refurbish the whole site is fantastic, and soon the youngsters of Bentham will be able to enjoy safe, new modern equipment in a modern, aesthetically pleasing environment.”

The play area is owned by Craven District Council, but leased to the play association.

Money from the council has come from the Big Lottery’s Children’s Play Area Association. The authority has also provided £5,846 in planning gain, and a community grant of £3,750.

District councillor Ken Hart, Craven’s lead member for sport, said the council was pleased to support the project.

“The designs look amazing and I’m sure that young people will enjoy the facilities for many years to come.”

Money for the project has also included £35,000 from the Community Spaces programme, managed by Groundwork UK and £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund Award for All.

The sale of Bentham calendars brought in a further £2,310 and local firm Angus Fire gave sponsorship of £1,500.