A SMALL play area off Manchester Road has been given a new lease of life thanks to a complete refurbishment.

The Victoria Street play area has undergone a facelift in recent months, reopening with a raft of new equipment on May 24.

Used by children and families on a regular basis, the park was in desperate need of attention and had very little play value.

Northwich Town Council carried out a consultation with residents to establish the needs and desires, with the feedback incorporated into a design to fit the space.

Grant and match funding for the work totalled thousands of pounds.

Northwich Guardian:

Victoria Street play area before the transformation

"It’s an incredible transformation," Cllr Andrew Cooper told fellow Northwich Town Council members at a meeting last week.

"We went down to have a look before [the work] and there were essentially some swings, a very large log and a soiled mattress.

"After this work has been done though it is a real transformation in that area, I am sure it is going to be really well used.

Northwich Guardian:

The new-look play area

"Hopefully it will be looked after and it can be a really good facility for that community that often feels left out a little bit, sandwiched between town and Lostock Gralam."

Northwich Town Council took over the running of many of the town’s play areas from Cheshire West and Chester Council last year on a long-term lease.

The result of the work has been to add colour, safety and excellent play facilities.

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The council also expressed its thanks to Oakmere Toyota, JP Ceramics, Play & Leisure and the Pocket Park Plus Fund for their support and financial contributions.

Opened just in time for the late May Bank Holiday, feedback so far has been positive from children and parents alike.