Macclesfield News - written by local people

A new £85,000 play area scheme has been completed in Hurdsfield and will be officially opened by Santa Claus and his helpers! The new play area is an early Christmas present for children in the area, providing them with an exciting new place to play.
 
The project, undertaken by Macclesfield Borough Council and Groundwork Cheshire has transformed a previously empty and under-used stretch of land adjacent to a multi-use games area at Banbury Close, Hurdsfield.  It is now a colourful play space for children aged 2-13. 
 
The new playground includes a basket swing, climbing units and an accessible roundabout.  All of the selected equipment is modern, innovative and offers inclusivity for children with different physical abilities.
 
Macclesfield Borough Council s play area project has come from the Big Lottery Fund s Children s Play Programme (£70,087), Waste Recycling Group Limited, administered by WREN (£13,150), AstraZeneca (£1,450) and Groundwork Cheshire (£2,000). 
 
A photo-call took place at 12.30pm on Thursday 18th December at the new play area as Santa, Rudolph and Elves hosted a Christmas Grotto.  Local families came along and joined in the festivities as they officially opened the new play area.
 
Councillor Andrew Knowles, (Macclesfield Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Community and Wellbeing), said: 
 "We are marking the first anniversary of Lottery funding and this is a great birthday present. Our Play Programme has so far included the recruitment of two play officers who are doing a great job, but nothing beats having facilities like those for youngsters here at Hurdsfield" 
 
Katherine Stanier, (Project Manager, Groundwork Cheshire) said:
"Today is all about thanking the community for their patience and support in transforming this recreation area into the play space that it is today.  We hope that children will enjoy the new play area for years to come."
 
Helen Bullough, (BIG s Head of the North West region) said: 
"The Big Lottery Fund is delighted to have awarded this grant to Macclesfield Borough Council s play area project. Every child deserves to gain from everything play can offer not only the pure fun, but also the social, mental and physical benefits. This will be a wonderful early Christmas present for the community."
   
Richard Smith, (Project Manager for WREN) said:
"We are delighted that this important community resource is now open and available for use by the community. We were involved in the games area a number of years ago and it's great to see that the programme of improvements has continued."
 
 
 
If anyone has any questions regarding the implementation of work or wishes to find out more about the project or Groundwork please contact Groundwork Cheshire on 01606 723160.