U-turn brings money for new Wick playground

Families were furious when they heard in the summer that a £20,000 modernisation scheme for the Highfield play area had been shelved because of government spending cuts.

They were all the more disappointed because children had been consulted and contributed their own ideas, which were included in the designs for the facelift.

But now a u-turn has led to the government agreeing to fund the improvements through its Playbuilder initiative, and more cash will be ploughed into the site from the Arun Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).

The LSP’s funding was secured by Arun District Council to replace the government grant the council had also applied for, but now both will go ahead, it means even more can be done to provide better play equipment.

Mike Northeast, Arun and town councillor for the area, worked with residents and Arun officers on seeking ideas for the site, and when the scheme seemed doomed, joined families in speaking out over the cut.

He said: “I think we actually played on people’s consciences.

“This was something that the residents and their children put a lot of work into.

“They came together as the ‘Big Society’, which everyone says we have to be now, but then at the last minute, the rug was pulled from under their feet.

“It just shows that if people come together with their local representative, we can change things.

“This is a win-win situation. We now have more funding than we had before and we could have an enhanced community area near the play area, with a barbecue unit and picnic tables.”

Arun is now carrying out a further consultation, giving residents the chance to air their views on the proposed improvements, and also taking into account those voiced last summer.

Fliers are being delivered asking for comments, and should be returned by post or delivered to the local newsagent, below Houghton House, for collection by December 24.

Anyone who has queries about the proposals can contact either Richard Martin on 01903 737949, or Joe Russell-Wells on 01903 737914. Alternatively, they can email [email protected]

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun cabinet member for the environment, said: “When we were told the Playbuilder grant was on hold we were determined to seek funding from another source to ensure work to improve the much-needed play area did not stop in its tracks.

“It was wonderful to hear that the hard work paid off and we had secured a grant from the LSP.

“Then to hear we were still going to get the Playbuilder grant was a real bonus.

“This play facility is vital for young people in Wick and now it will be really top class.”