WANNABE Tarzans will be literally swinging through the trees when a new play area comes to Winsford.

A patch of wasteland in Winsford is being transformed into a £135,000 ‘natural’ playground featuring an aerial runway; giant climbing trees, boulders, sand pits and tyre swings.

The land in Finsbury Walk on the Greenfields Estate used to house a block of flats but has lain derelict since they were knocked down.

But thanks to some serious funding, including £10,000 from the local pot of money recovered from criminals. Work got underway last Monday to create an explorers’ haven for children aged between one and 15.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust has worked with Groundwork Cheshire to come up with the plans which they hope will kick-start long-term improvements to the environment on the estate.

Ward councillor Charlie Parkinson, who actively campaigned to get something done with the waste land, said: “Whilst completing a neighbourhood walkabout last year, I set Weaver Vale Housing Trust the challenge of cleaning up this long-time grot spot and eyesore.

“I’m delighted to say that through their work with Groundwork, this challenge has been met and we will now have a fantastic asset that will benefit local children. I now want to set a challenge to local residents to keep a sharp eye on the play area and help us keep it in great condition.”

Colleen Martin, from Greenfields Residents Association, added: “The new play area will be great for the community, and will give the young people of Greenfields a place to run off the fantastic amount of energy that they have. We hope it inspires our community to get involved with future plans for the rest of the open space.”

The project has been made possible thanks to £35,000 funding via WREN; £50,000 DCSF Playbuilder funding through by Cheshire West and Chester Council; £10,000 Community Cashback funding administered by Cheshire Criminal Justice Board; £3,000 from Groundwork Cheshire and £37,000 funding from Weaver Vale Housing Trust.