Put your best feet forward for Wincham play area revamp

The invitation comes from Lillian Barton, who is organising two sponsored walks to raise money towards improvements at the Chapel Street play area in Wincham.

The play area boasts only a few swings, and Lillian and fellow Chapel Street resident Clara Dockney have been pressing for better equipment for the dozens of local children who use the play area.

They have raised £565 for the improvements, and with the support of Wincham Parish Council and Cheshire West and Chester councillors funding has been secured to allow the improvements to take place.

Parish councillors agreed on Wednesday on one of four options for the revamp which were submitted by Mold-based company Creative Play UK Limited.

The scheme includes a basket swing and a climbing frame incorporating a rope bridge, log walk, balance and tyre swing, and it is hoped the equipment could be installed in May.

The scheme will cost almost £6,100, and is being funded by £3,000 from Cheshire West councillors Norman Wright, Don Hammond and Malcolm Byram through the council’s member budget scheme, along with a New Homes Bonus grant to the parish council of £2,054 from Cheshire West.

Money raised by Chapel Street residents has boosted the total, and any shortfall will be made up by the parish council.

The sponsored walks are being organised to raise money for additional equipment for the play area, and take place next Sunday, March 29, and Sunday, April 12, at Neumann’s Flash, part of the Northwich Community Woodlands.

“We have arranged two walks so that anyone who can’t make the first can come along to the second,” said Lillian.

“They will last for an hour, and we are asking anyone who would like to take part to meet at the gates to Neumann’s Flash at 2pm.

“The walks are open to everyone, children, parents and grandparents, and dogs are also welcome.”

Lillian will be delivering sponsorship forms to homes in Chapel Street to seek support for the fundraising walks.