Neston's Ringway Park play  area has been officially reopened  following a £40,000 scheme to improve provision.

Improvements, including new play  equipment, natural play features, a  new pathway to provide year round  access and seating are now in place –  thanks to Cheshire West and Chester  Council’s Greenspace team working in  partnership with the CAN group, Plus  Dane Housing Trust and other council  teams. 

The area has been funded by  Cheshire West and Chester Council,  Cllr Andy Williams’ member budget  grant, The Veolia Environmental  Trust and Neston Town Council.

At an open day for the park last week,  residents had the opportunity to explore the facilities and take part in  some special activities including making smoothies from the smoothie bike,  face painting by the CAN group and  Dr Bike was on hand to check bikes for  safety and undertake minor repairs.  Brio Bear and staff from Neston Leisure Centre also visited.

Cllr Williams said: “Ringway Park’s  play provision was previously quite  poor and I am delighted the hard work  of a number of partner organisations  has resulted in the improvements we  see today.

“Later in the year we will also be  planting a hedge and some trees to  naturally enhance the site.”

When planning the work, the council  consulted the local community, via  meetings, leaflets and on-site discussions, to seek their views and ideas.

The feedback received helped to  identify the priorities and gauge views  from young people about what play  equipment they would like to see installed.

The acting executive director of The  Veolia Environmental Trust, Maria  Cade, added: “It is great to hear that  this project is now complete. The play  area will provide a place for young  people and families to meet up and  enjoy active, outdoor play.

“I hope that the new equipment is  enjoyed by the community of Ringway  for many years to come.”

CAN Group is a grant-funded community group that has been successfully running family activity programmes in Neston since 2005.

For further information contact Greenspace project officer Mary Lavery on 01606 288541.