THE ISSUES

• Small children need supervision in the existing play area 
  
• The play area needs a new surface and equipment
   
• There is no provision of entertainment for older children in the village  
• There is general opposition in the village to a skate ramp for older children, even though the children themselves are strongly in favour  
• Popular ideas for activities include:
  • A Youth Club
  • Junior Sports Clubs
  • A Music Club
• These ideas all rely on completion of the hall

The Problem  

The very busy main road and linear layout of the village make it dangerous for children to play on Fore Street . The only safe area is the recreation ground, and the small play area for younger children.

The Children's play area is old—many of the items in the area were played on by the grandfathers of the children using them now! The roundabout is nearing the end of its life, and will need replacing with a newer and safer item. Wooden features added recently were accepted by parents, and more similar equipment would be appreciated. A suggestion for a trampoline has been made.

The play surface is grassed, and due to a lack of funds, does not get cut as often as it should, so weeds and nettles have taken hold around the perimeter of the area. The surface should be replaced by a more child -friendly material like shredded rubber, which would need little maintenance.

Older children who answered the questionnaire would like a skate park on the Recreation field, but many people in the village feel that it would lead to an increase in vandalism if unsupervised.

A basketball court would also be used and should be considered as a part of the MUGA plans.

Our central location ( and new facilities) will make us an ideal location for youth coaching for many sports and activities.

Our Actions

• Investigate funding for refurbishment of the children's play area with a safer play surface
• Source new play equipment
• Investigate solutions to skate park issues—can we provide a safe area that we can insure and manage without taking away the fun?
• Find volunteers who would be willing to help set up hall-based activities
• Encourage existing sports clubs to set up junior sections or training
• Liase with Education Authorities to attract training schemes to the village