A PLAY area for children aged 12-18 has been officially unveiled in Tarvin.

The parish council led the £37,500 scheme at King George V Playing Area, which received funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) and Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN).

A total of £18,691 came from the council’s rural support funding grant and the same amount was donated by WREN. The remaining funds were provided by the parish council.

The project was planned and developed as a partnership between Tarvin Parish Council, Tarvin Youth Club and the community.

Pet Twigg, project manager and parish councillor, said: “A definite need had been established for play equipment for older children on King George V playing field. This has been evidenced through a questionnaire consultation process and by drawing on local knowledge and history.

“It established there was a lack of appropriate facilities for this age range in the area. The results showed that the majority travelled out of the village to undertake play and sports activities.

“The children were very enthusiastic about developing the play area and were positive in suggesting ideas for possible equipment to be included. The result is four fabulous pieces of play equipment delivered through this project.”

She added: “Tarvin Parish Council wishes to express their gratitude to Cheshire West and Chester Council and WREN for the funding we have received.

“Without their support our project would be unachievable. It has taken the parish council many years already to make this proposal become a reality”.

Cllr Ralph Oultram, chairman of the steering group for the council’s rural support funding grant, said: “This project has provided innovative and challenging play equipment enabling children to play and keep active in a safe outdoor environment.

“It’s also transformed an underused area of the playing field into a safe, clean accessible and enjoyable space for recreation that the community can be proud of.

Richard Smith from WREN added: “The play equipment will provide a fantastic space for local young people to get outdoors and have some fun while exercising.

“We’re delighted with the comments that we have received from the youngsters of the village and the success of this project.”