A £65,000 play area for teenagers in Winsford has been unveiled.

The facility – which includes a court for ball games and a teen shelter – has been built on disused land at Leyland Walk in the heart of the Glebe Green estate.

The project is a joint venture by housing association Muir Group, which has owned the estate since 2000, and Groundwork Cheshire.

Plans for the area were drawn up following consultation with residents’ group Harmony and Muir’s regional manager David Hull said he is delighted the hard work has paid off.

‘This wonderful facility would not have happened without the commitment and imagination of the residents on the Glebe Green estate,’ he said.

‘We are delighted to support such a healthy, fun project.’

Representatives from the organisations involved, including Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd which donated £40,000 to help realise the plans, joined youngsters from the estate and dignitaries at the official opening on Wednesday.

Groundwork’s project manager Katherine Stanier said: ‘It’s so rewarding to see young people enjoying the new facility and getting involved in sport. This marks the culmination of a period of hard work by all parties involved.

‘I would particularly like to thank the residents and members of Harmony for their involvement and commitment to the needs of the young people on the estate.’

Glebe Green residents have seen improvements since the Muir Group took control of the 300-home estate seven years ago. Bosses promised they can look forward to a new play area for younger children on the estate in the near future.

Friends of Muir Group, a subsidiary of the company which funds resident-led schemes to improve the area, also presented a cheque for £800 towards football kits and equipment for youngsters.

Swanlow Cllr Malcolm Gaskill told the Chronicle the new facilities will be a big hit with youngsters.

He said: ‘This has been a long time coming and it’s welcome because it’s very much needed.’