A NEWLY refurbished play area in Cuddington has reopened to the public following a launch party at the Village Gala Day.

The Norley Road playing fields are up and running, with families flocking to enjoy the facilities over the weekend.

The project represents the hard work by Cuddington Parish Council and Cuddington & Sandiway Parish Playing Fields Association Ltd. Ward councillors Harry Tonge, Charles Fifield and Paul Williams officiated at the opening ceremony.

Dated equipment has been replaced with a Blackbeard's Ladder, a Rota Web climbing net, train playhouse, ability whirl, and toddler and adult swing.

In addition, the ever-popular sandpit has been upgraded.

The extensive work has been funded by a £50,000 grant from WREN’S FCC Community Action Fund.

Parish clerk Julie Chrimes is delighted that the project is now completed and the facilities in use.

She said: “This vital upgraded facility is going to make a real difference to those who use it, as well as the wider Cuddington and Sandiway community.

"We are extremely grateful to WREN for providing funding as we would not have been able to go ahead without its support."

The council also received donations from the Big Lottery fund, Cheshire West and Chester Council ward members, and £1,000 from the Vale Royal Lions.

Meanwhile, the parish council also secured funding from the housing developers' section 106 pot.

The bulk of the funding came from WREN – 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, said: “It’s wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to children's play across Cuddington.

"WREN is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”