RESIDENTS in Little Leigh are to have their say on plans to improve the village play area.

Cheshire West and Chester’s Playbuilder project has targeted the facilities on Shutley Lane as being in need of improvement, with initial planning work already under way.

Two public consultations will be held on Thursday, June 10, at Little Leigh Village Hall, where the draft proposal will be on display. The afternoon event will run between 3pm to 4.30pm, with the evening session from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Both residents and children are being encouraged to attend and offer suggestions about what facilities, equipment and landscape they would like to see in the final designs for the park.

They will also be able to meet members of the parish council and project leader, Evelyn Thomas, to ask further questions.

Matthew Veasey, vice-chairman of Little Leigh Parish Council, said: “This is great news for the children of Little Leigh, as well as their parents.

“I think the last work on the site was done more than 10 years ago.

“Right now, it has just swings, a climbing frame and a slide, but the railings that mark the park’s boundaries need to be repaired, and residents have expressed concern at the need for their maintenance.

“The play area is one of the few areas of public space open in the village, and a key condition of the funding is that the new facilities are accessible to all residents.”

The council has been providing regular updates on the design’s progress to the parish council and primary school, in addition to meeting with members of the local youth club. The park is well-used both during the day and after school hours.

Matthew added: “Cheshire West and Chester Council’s involvement provides an opportunity to be creative.

“Modern play equipment can often reflect natural obstacles and can be made to blend into a village environment.

“We really hope the scheme will provide something that allows all children living in Little Leigh many hours of fun and enjoyment for years to come. ”