WORK has begun in Norley Road Playing Fields to bring improved equipment to children of Cuddington and Sandiway.

The playing fields have been closed for a couple of weeks now to allow refurbishments to be carried out.

The works include replacing some dated equipment with, a Blackbeard's ladder, a rota web climbing net, train playhouse, ability whirl and toddler and adult swing.

The sand pit has been upgraded.

It is expected that the works will be completed and the play area re-opened within the next few weeks.

The work was funded by a £50,000 donation from WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund, £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund and donations from Cheshire West and Chester Council councillors.

The parish council also received funding from Section 106 and received a gift from the Vale Royal Lions.

They are also planning an official opening during the village gala in June.

Julie Chrimes, parish clerk says: “It’s great to see the working group’s vision for this vital community facility moving closer to reality.

“We are extremely grateful to all of the funder’s, particularly to WREN and we’re looking forward to opening to the public.”

WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Richard Smith, WREN’s grant manager for Cheshire, says: “It’s always nice to see something we have funded start to take shape.

“We’re delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project and look forward to it benefitting children and young people across Cuddington and Sandiway.”