New play area for village near Northampton set for official opening after £50,000 revamp

The children of a village near Northampton will have a new play area to enjoy thanks to a £50,000 project with support from the parish council and a multi-million-pound fund.

The play equipment by the village hall in Cogenhoe has been revamped thanks to £40,804 from Biffa Award and £10,000 from Cogenhoe and Whiston Parish Council.

Village hall and playing fields committee chairman Jon Bailey said: “Many years ago, the villagers raised money and installed the play area at the village hall.

"It has been showing its age for some time and did not cater for the older children of the village.

"The new equipment will be a great asset and will be loved and used by many.

"I can speak for all and say how very happy I am to be seeing this new facility in the village.

"Many thanks to Biffa Award, the parish council and Deborah Rush, our clerk for making this happen.”

The current play equipment is more than 20 years old and had become outdated and shabby with no provision for older children or those with any sort of additional needs.

Following extensive research and consultation, a much-improved design with an extended area for over-eights and equipment that allows children with additional needs to play was drawn up.

One child told the consultation: “I love to play at the park with my friends, please can we have some new swings and a soft floor and can we have a climbing frame.”

After the funding was agreed, work started in August and is due to be completed this month before the officially opening on Monday (September 21).

Biffa Award grants manager Rachel Maidment said: “At times like this it is more important than ever that we continue to support projects that build communities, like this new play area for the children of the Cogenhoe and Whiston villages in Northamptonshire.

"Hopefully in the not too distant future we will be able to see children enjoying the new facilities.”