'Deteriorated' south Essex playground to be transformed with £50k upgrades
WORK is underway to carry out £50,000 worth of upgrades to decades old playground equipment in an effort to create a 'more modern, inclusive and engaging space' for youngsters.
The playground at Ashingdon Memorial Park, Rochford, is currently undergoing an extensive facelift that is set to last several weeks and transform the dated equipment that is currently in place.
As part of Rochford Council's five-year 'PlaySpace Improvement Plan', the works have been welcomed by councillors as a much-overdue upgrade for the area's younger residents.
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A spokesperson for Rochford Council, said: 'The play area at Ashingdon Memorial Park is currently undergoing a significant upgrade.
'The play area will be temporarily closed while the works are carried out, with the closure expected to last up to three weeks.
Underway - Works are ongoing at Ashingdon Memorial Park (Image: Ashingdon Parish Council) 'The project involves the installation of £50,000 worth of new play equipment, aimed at creating a more modern, inclusive and engaging space for children and families in the community.
'We appreciate residents patience during this time and look forward to unveiling the improved play area soon.'
Last October, Rochford Council announced it was set to release funding to purchase new equipment for parks across the district.
Pleased - Roger Constable has welcomed the improvement works (Image: Rochford Council) According to a report filed ahead of October's announcement, the play areas at Ashingdon Playing Fields are in a 'deteriorated' state, with equipment more than 20 years old and at the 'end of its life expectancy'.
Over the next five years the council plans to invest £1.26million in the huge project to replace equipment and improve facilities.
Photos of the ongoing works at Ashingdon Memorial Park's playground show a digger in place with much of the rubber surfacing already ripped up.
The works have been welcomed by Conservative councillor Roger Constable who, following the council's recent leadership changes, has taken on the chairmanship of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.
'I'm just pleased to see that the play equipment is being replaced,' said Mr Constable.
'The area is going to have a lot of new equipment and new flooring and it's all for our young people who need the space to play.'
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