Contractors from Northampton-based DT Leisure and Wisbeach firm, Fenland Leisure have moved into the playing field in Newtown to begin work on an all-weather play area, BMX track, new play equipment and pathways.

In 2008 youngsters petitioned the parish council to provide better play facilities, particularly for older children in the village. The Hail Weston playing fields project was set up, and in 2010 a new fort, play mound, willow tunnel, trim trail and zip wire were created.

Barry Easom, a resident and project manager said: “Since we began improving the playground, there has been a huge increase in its use, not only by kids and families but the community as a whole. What’s more, many of the villagers have rolled up their sleeves and helped in a hands-on way with planting and general maintenance. We hope that when the latest work is completed in the spring, we will see even more people down here. What was once an underused field is quickly becoming the heart of our community.”

The project has been funded by Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN) which supports community projects eligible for the Landfill Communities Fund.

INFORMATION: Organisations and community groups requiring funding for community projects should visit www.wren.org.uk or call 01953 717165.