A popular children’s play park in Peasedown St John is to receive a makeover, thanks to a campaign led by the village’s councillors.
Cllr Sarah Bevan and Cllr Karen Walker with local residents Gavin Heathcote and Laura Bell-Knight
Cllrs Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan (Independents) had been lobbying B&NES Council for three years, asking for old play equipment in the Eckweek Lane Play Park to be replaced.
The Eckweek Lane Play Park, which opened in 2003, is nestled within what has become known as the ‘new estate’, the collection of 1,000 homes built in the village since 1989.
Located in between Saxon Way and Under Knoll, the park is a popular place for families to visit during the weekends and school holidays.
Cllr Sarah Bevan, who originally opened the playpark with former councillor Gail Coleshill over sixteen years ago, said: “The Eckweek Lane Play Park was a worthwhile investment all those years ago.
“With almost 2,000 children living in Peasedown, we’ve certainly needed every inch of our parks and open spaces where it’s safe for them to play, let off steam and meet their peers and family members.
“16 years later, it’s high time for some new equipment.”
The councillors received the final approval for the funding last week, at the Council’s Budget meeting – where all 59 councillors met to decide how the 2020/21 should be spent.
Cllr Karen Walker added: “We’ve been working with the council leadership and officers for some time to source the money.
“Cllr Bevan and I have now approved the tender, with renovation works being carried out over the next few months.
“The park will see a new multi-unit with play kit aimed at the 5 – 12 year age range, and a height restriction of 3m high.
“Any slide is to be a solid slide, as opposed to a banister slide, which meets the requests that parents have submitted to us who live in the local area.”
Last week, Karen and Sarah met with children and parents to let them know the good news.
Local parent, Gavin Heathcote, said: “My daughter loves this park! It’s just around the corner from where we live so every opportunity she can – after school and at weekends – she’ll want to go to the park.
“The new multi-use play equipment will add extra excitement to users of the park, and give children more of an excuse to exercise, let off steam and hang-out with their friends.”
Cllr Karen Walker and Cllr Sarah Bevan also secured approval at last week’s Budget meeting for £160,000 to be allocated to Peasedown St John Primary School, for further renovation works.
