WINCHAM children should be enjoying a revamped play area by the start of May.

Work to transform a poorly-equipped play area in Chapel Street is set to start on Monday, April 27.

Wincham Parish Council clerk Naomi Morris said it was anticipated the work would take up to a week, during which the play area would be closed.

The work is to be carried out by Mold-based company Creative Play UK, and will involve the installation of a basket swing and a climbing frame incorporating a rope bridge, a log walk, balance bar and tyre swing.

The play area has a number of swings and a picnic bench, which are being retained in the new-look area.

A Christmas tree, the first for Chapel Street, is also to be planted at the play area, along with three apple trees.

The play area scheme will cost £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 Lillian Barton and Clara Dockney has boosted the total, and any shortfall will be made up by the parish council.

Mrs Barton and Mrs Dockney initiated calls for the improvements, and Mrs Barton is organising sponsored walks to raise money for an additional piece of play equipment for young children.

The sponsored walks take place this Sunday, March 29, and Sunday, April 12, at Neumann’s Flash, part of Northwich Community Woodlands.

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

Mrs Barton has delivered sponsorship forms to homes to seek support for the fundraising walks.

“I have been very pleased with the response to the walks, and so far six families with children have said they will come along,” she said.

“I’m very pleased the new equipment is going to be installed at the play area – we have worked so hard for it.”