Plans to improve the playing fields in the village of Kingsley are a step closer thanks to a £50,000 funding boost from grant-giving body WREN.

The money, awarded by WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund, will see a new outdoor gym with equipment including a cross trainer, treadmill and recumbent bike, installed at the site off Westbrook Road.

As well as a new gym, there will be improved access with a new path around the playing field, as well as a new picnic and seating area, of which two picnic tables were donated by local chicken factory, Forrester’s.

Kingsley Parish Council hopes the new facility, which already has a children’s play area and multi-use games area, could be ready for use in time for the school summer holidays.

Claire Jones, chair of Kingsley Parish Council, said: “This funding means that residents of all ages in Kingsley and the surrounding area will finally get the outdoor fitness facilities they deserve.

“As a council we are committed to encouraging the health and well-being of people living in the community - which is why we are extremely grateful to WREN for backing our application.”

Community charity

Local community charity, Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside, worked closely with Kingsley Parish Council on the bid.

Peter Heberlet, programme director for land at Groundwork, said: “We were involved with the first phase of works to improve the fields quite a few years ago when the play area was developed.

“It’s great to be involved again helping Kingsley Parish Council with this new phase of work which will see access improved significantly and additional facilities for local people. I’m sure it will be as great a success as the play area has been.”

WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Richard Smith, WREN’s grant manager for Cheshire, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the improvements at Kingsley playing fields and pleased our funding will have such a positive impact.”