TODDLERS and teens have some new kit on which to let off steam in Askam-in-Furness as community leaders opened a play area and skate park.

Representatives of Askam and Ireleth's parish council and regeneration partnership joined village school children at Askam's Community Field to cut the cord on the new play area featuring equipment from Haverthwaite firm Playdale Playgrounds.

Members of Barrow Borough Council, the Cumbria Rural Development Programme, Capita, Playdale and landfill-tax distributors Shanks First Fund also attended the ceremony.

The new play area has cost around £150,000 with the lion's share of the money coming from Shanks First Fund with extra donations from the parish council, regeneration partnership and the county's rural development programme.

In addition to play kit, more than 20 trees have been planted by BBC.

Parish council clerk Jenny Donnelly said the council and partnership were delighted with the new play area and skate park which they felt provided first class play equipment to suit children of all ages.

May 1, 2003 13:30