EXTRA funds have been secured to improve one of Crewe's most popular community play areas.

Weston Community Playing Field is now in line for a £600 cash injection after the borough council's grant panel agreed the much-needed boost.

The money will be used to buy new play equipment for the site, and will ensure that it meets health and safety standards.

Independent councillor Maureen Campbell, who worked with the trustee board for several years to see the playing field improved, said the money would make a huge difference to the campaign.

'This is a community project for all ages to participate in, and it is important to support and use this superb asset to the village.'

Since the playing field was established, a children's play area, an all-weather football pitch and more than 400 metres of pathway have been installed.

More than 400 trees and shrubs have been planted and a flower garden created.

Cllr Campbell added the battle for the playing field had been a long one, and not short of ups and downs, especially when in 2001, the county council considered selling the whole site for a housing development.

The land is now leased to the borough council on a 99-year lease.

Trustee David Pepper praised the community's hard work since the land was taken over from the council, and thanked Cllr Campbell for her dedication to the project.

'This contribution of £600 from the borough council will enable us to bring forward parts of our development plan.

'This means that we will be adding even more facilities to the field this year.

'Since we took over responsibility for the field from the county council, the support we have received from the borough via Maureen Campbell has enabled us to develop this playing field as a real benefit for the people of the village and surrounding area.'

Anyone interested in joining the project can e-mail Cllr Campbell at cllr.maureen.campbell@crewenantwich.gov.uk