A popular play area is to get even better.

The Ropewalk play area in Parkgate will see three extra pieces of play equipment thanks to a successful joint bid for funding by Cheshire West and Chester and Neston Town councils. The project is to receive £16,800 from the Bradley Park Community Fund through the Landfill Communities Fund.

This amount has also been match funded by the town council, Parkgate ward borough councillor Martin Barker (Indt) and the borough council’s Kick Start Fund.

The play area currently provides for younger primary school children. The new equipment, which is likely to include junior swings, a climbing frame and an all-inclusive roundabout for disabled users, will offer ‘much needed’ facilities for the seven to 11 years age group.

The money will also fund a new boundary fence for the neighbouring allotment which will increase site security and improve the boundary with the play area.

'Mounting evidence'

Borough council cabinet member for culture, leisure and wellbeing Louise Gittins (Lab, Little Neston) said: “I’m delighted that we were able to work closely with Neston Town Council to secure this funding. There is mounting evidence demonstrating the contribution play areas can make to our children’s mental and physical health and wellbeing.”

Her opposite number at Neston Town Council, David Carter, chairman of the council’s society and culture committee, said: “The successful funding bid is really good news and the new equipment will be welcomed by the local community.”

Robert McFarlane, chairman of the NPL Group to which Bradley Park Waste Management belongs, added: “We were happy to support the bid for this popular local play area. The grant was the final piece in the jigsaw and will enable this project to go ahead.”

It is hoped the new equipment will be in place for the summer.