Improved West End Play Areas Opened

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th Mar 2007

Hatch Grange play area gets a full inspection

Today the upgraded the play area at Moorgreen Recreation Ground and Hatch Grange were opened. The total cost of the improved work was paid for by the Parish Council aided by £28,000 grant from Eastleigh Borough Council's Local Area Committee for Hedge End, West End and Botley.

Children from St James open the Hatch Grange play area

The Parish Council upgraded the play area at Moorgreen Recreation Ground and Hatch Grange following a survey of the facilities which identified that they were outdated and not viable for repair. And they took the very sensible step of asking for advice from the one group of people who knew best what should be in a play area - the children themselves. It was also the kids from St James Primary school who performed the cutting of the traditional ribbon and were first to test out the attractions.

Moorgreen play area before the revamp

And from April 2007 the Parish Council will take on devolved responsibility for three other West End play areas at Carpathia Close, Upmill Close and Townhill Farm District Centre. These play areas, currently managed by the Borough Council, have recently been renewed and so are already in good condition.

Moorgreen play area after the revamp

This will ensure that these areas are managed as locally as possible in line with Liberal Democrat policy and commenting on the new improved areas local councillor David Goodall said :-

"The revamped areas are a great asset for the area and they appear to be very much enjoyed by the children here this morning."

The plans for the play areas were developed after the Clerk to West End Parish Council invited four contractors to submit designs and estimates for the provision of new play areas. These designs have been subject to a public consultation at the Parish Centre as well as a more detailed consultation with pupils of St James C of E School. This consultation has resulted in a strong preference for play equipment from the firm of "Produlic" being installed at both Hatch Grange and Moorgreen Recreation Ground.

West End Parish Council has exploited the potential of an economy of scale for the three play areas of Moorgreen Recreation Ground, Hatch Grange Younger Children's area, and the Hatch Grange Older Children's area, by the selection of a single contractor for all three areas. It managed to negotiated an advantageous price of £56,000.

Related Link:

Produlic play equipment.