The playground has now arrived at the Wood Lane estate and the children are eager to try it out.
David Nagle and me recently wrote to residents on the estate to say that we’d worked to get a small children’s playground to be installed on the recreation ground on Manor Crescent. This followed a consultation event at Rose Farm last year, working with the Rothwell Tenants and Residents Association, which residents on the estate were invited to. Following feedback received, and having since secured funding, several pieces of play equipment were ordered.
Having secured £20,000 of funding for the play equipment for children on the estate, with £9,000 from Housing Leeds and the remaining £11,000 funds from Rothwell councillors through the Community Committee and the Rothwell Labour councillors’ MICE money. We were pleased to be able to secure funding for this project in the current climate where council funding is being cut by the government.
The playground equipment is a set of two flat swings, a set of two cradle swings, a roundabout, a slide, a spinning pirouette, a see saw, a picnic table and a bin. The play equipment has been put onto grass matting. At the time of writing, there is still part of the safety surfacing to be laid and it is important that the surfacing is left to set properly to make sure it doesn’t loosen.
Since starting campaigning on the Wood Lane Estate (Manor Estate), before being elected in Rothwell, I was determined once elected to make it a priority to provide more things to do for young people and children on the estate and I’ve made sure I worked hard on this.
I hope that families on the estate will enjoy the benefit of the new playground, I’m really pleased that we’ve made this playground happen for the younger children, it’s only right they should have some play equipment. Playing outside is not just about letting off steam. It is a vital part of childhood that helps children develop physical strength, coordination and balance. It can also provide opportunities for children to learn and develop. It is essential in my view that children have access to safe outside play.
