Playground revamp plans approved
Families across Newton-le-Willows will soon be benefitting from a better playground thanks to investment from the Newton-le-Willows Pride in Place programme.
Plans have been approved for the improved play space at St John's Playground with more accessible equipment providing free fun without barriers for all.
The playground improvement is one of three projects being supported by the board set up to secure up to £20million in Government funding. The three projects will deliver improvements for the area in its first year of delivery and the programme has been shaped following extensive community consultation.
Chris Hickey, Chair of the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board who oversee the programme, said: "This is a really exciting time to see the first-year projects now move from ideas on a page into real life projects. As a board we have been working on these plans for some time and to now see them in action and ready to make a difference to the people in Newton-le-Willows is really satisfying."
Councillor Jack Benyon, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning, said: "We are delighted to see that the plans have been approved, and work can now move forward to delivering for residents. The concept design of the playground leans in heavily to the area's rich rail and canal heritage and is a fitting update that will reflect Earlestown and Newton-le-Willow's major role in the creation of commercial railway as we head towards the 200th anniversary of the Manchester to Liverpool railway."
David Baines, St Helens North MP, said: "It is fantastic to see the work of the Neighbourhood Board progressing in this way, and this is just what the Government intended when it introduced Pride in Place Funding: local communities taking control and creating positive improvements in their local area. This funding will provide families in Earlestown with a better park accessible to all, and I can't wait to see it completed."
The development of the existing playground will see the space double in size with more accessible equipment along additional path works and landscaping, and now preparations will start to prepare for the installation of the playground.
Find out more about the Newton-le-Willows Pride in Place programme here: Newton-le-Willows Pride in Place - St Helens Borough Council