New play area for Pickles Drive to be officially opened

Mar 5 2013

A NEW play facility at Pickles Drive, Burscough has brought much delight to local children who also played a part in choosing the equipment.

Youngsters have a variety of equipment to enjoy which includes traditional swings and basket swing, see-saw, multi-use climbing frame and other fun apparatus. The facility will be officially launched on Wednesday 6 March at 1pm.

An initial consultation had been carried out with the local community which identified the need for a fenced play area as a priority.

Designs from a selection of playground suppliers were on display at Lordsgate CE Primary School. Residents and children were invited to view and vote for the design they most favoured. Officers from West Lancashire Borough Council were in attendance to offer impartial advice.

The design from HAGS SMP Playgrounds Ltd received most votes by quite a large margin, and now the children can see their design choice come to life.

Councillor David Sudworth, portfolio holder for Health, Leisure, and Community Safety, said: “I am sure the new play area will prove very popular with the children and it will be a fantastic facility for them. Residents came forward to tell us what they wanted here and I am delighted we have been able to provide that.

“We would like to thank Mr Christopher Hackett, Head Teacher at Lordsgate Primary, for his support throughout the process.”

The new play area is part of the Council’s Play Strategy which includes a prioritised list of play area developments across the borough.

The project costs of £45,800 were raised by the Council through developer contributions from nearby housing sites.

Councillor Martin Forshaw, portfolio holder for Planning and Development, said: “I am very pleased we have been able to provide an exciting new play area for children through contributions from nearby developments.”