Plans for a new children’s playground have been given a massive lift thanks to a grant from West Oxfordshire District Council. Aston and Cote Community Trust were awarded a Community Facilities Grant of £14,040 which covers 25 per cent of the cost of the playground which will be designed for younger children.
With much of the remaining fundraising either in place or under consideration, it is hoped work on the £56,000 project in the grounds of Aston Village Hall will start by next March and be finished by June.
Carolyn Simmonds, chairman of the Community Trust, said: “The existing playground was installed about 30 years ago and the equipment is becoming dilapidated. It is also is in the wrong place as young children have to cross a football field to reach it which is awkward in the winter.
“We have about 100 children aged between three and nine using the hall on a Saturday for example and they need decent facilities.”
Trustee Paul Farrow gauged the opinion of parents in Aston and Cote with a questionnaire which showed 90 per cent were in favour of improvements while youngsters in the primary school were asked to draw what they wanted to see.
Mr Farrow said: “New homes are being built here with more young families moving in and everyone is keen on keeping kids active. We are looking at new swings and roundabouts but also want to make the playground as accessible as possible for those with disabilities.”
Fundraising is continuing with the village fete raising £1,500 and other local events contributing.
Cllr Jeanette Baker, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health, said: “I am delighted this money is being put to such good use and highlights why we continue to provide these grants.
“Research shows that for very pound grant aided, £6.80 of external or community funding is being released into the District’s economy and cultural facilities.”
Other projects to benefit from this round of Community Facilities Grants are improvements to the Allendale building at Carterton Family Centre (£50,000); the installation of older children’s playground equipment at in Bladon (£12,560) and the repair of the Over Norton Fountain (£7,591).
Picture shows L-R: Paul Farrow and Carolyn Simmonds
With much of the remaining fundraising either in place or under consideration, it is hoped work on the £56,000 project in the grounds of Aston Village Hall will start by next March and be finished by June.
Carolyn Simmonds, chairman of the Community Trust, said: “The existing playground was installed about 30 years ago and the equipment is becoming dilapidated. It is also is in the wrong place as young children have to cross a football field to reach it which is awkward in the winter.
“We have about 100 children aged between three and nine using the hall on a Saturday for example and they need decent facilities.”
Trustee Paul Farrow gauged the opinion of parents in Aston and Cote with a questionnaire which showed 90 per cent were in favour of improvements while youngsters in the primary school were asked to draw what they wanted to see.
Mr Farrow said: “New homes are being built here with more young families moving in and everyone is keen on keeping kids active. We are looking at new swings and roundabouts but also want to make the playground as accessible as possible for those with disabilities.”
Fundraising is continuing with the village fete raising £1,500 and other local events contributing.
Cllr Jeanette Baker, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health, said: “I am delighted this money is being put to such good use and highlights why we continue to provide these grants.
“Research shows that for very pound grant aided, £6.80 of external or community funding is being released into the District’s economy and cultural facilities.”
Other projects to benefit from this round of Community Facilities Grants are improvements to the Allendale building at Carterton Family Centre (£50,000); the installation of older children’s playground equipment at in Bladon (£12,560) and the repair of the Over Norton Fountain (£7,591).
Picture shows L-R: Paul Farrow and Carolyn Simmonds
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