Kirton in Lindsey’s children’s play area has undergone a very welcome transformation and, following a grand opening ceremony last weekend (Saturday 5 November), the state-of-the-art equipment is now open for business!
The brand new facilities, which include a climbing net, adventure trail and zip wire, are set to entertain hundreds of local children. And one of the new pieces of kit – a roundabout – was financed through our Landfill Communities Fund scheme.
The equipment has been installed in 2 phases, starting with the toddler play area and was quickly followed by the junior one. Neil Taylor-Matson, Town Clerk for the Council, explained how the scheme came about. He said: “Our old kit had mostly come to the end of its life so we set about raising funds to create a modern, safe play area. In 2019, we surveyed the townspeople to find out what they would like to see to meet both the needs of our existing residents as well as those of the growing number of young families moving into the area.
“What you see now is based on the findings of the survey while managing the space available, bearing in mind our green is used for a wide range of community activities.”
With more than £100,000 invested in total, the opening of the new play area last Saturday had been highly anticipated as local people watched the progress over recent weeks. Neil said: “Unfortunately COVID-19 set us back a few months, but it’s really rewarding to see the project finally come to fruition and being welcomed so warmly. Without the funding from organisations such as British Steel this simply couldn’t have happened, Kirton in Lindsey Town Council is so grateful to have received this level of support.”
The play area was opened by Councillor Joy Kofoed, Mayor of Kirton in Lindsey. The Mayor said: “Thanks to a small working group of volunteer Town Councillors, we are pleased to announce that the town play area has now opened. In working with and alongside equipment suppliers and funders, like British Steel, the National Lottery and North Lincs Council we have achieved a much-needed update for the benefit of the residents and visitors to Kirton in Lindsey play area.
“We appreciate all the help and support of these funding streams without whom the works just wouldn’t have been possible.”
The Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) is a scheme that enables organisations operating landfill sites to invest a proportion of their landfill tax to support community and environmental projects. Martin Welch, a member of our Community Steering Group, said: “It was through the LCF scheme we were able to consider the council’s application – we’re very much aware that health and wellbeing are important so we were pleased to approve this funding request.
“It really is fantastic that local towns have facilities like this. These new play areas will help encourage young people to get outdoors and socialise. I hope their new equipment will keep them happy and healthy for a long time to come.”
The Mayor added: “With the town’s growing population, good-quality play and leisure opportunities are more and more important and this refurbished area is a great new asset for the town. We can’t wait to see smiling faces on the equipment and hope that the children will appreciate it for many years to come.”