West Hill play park bid gets backing boost

A BID to provide West Hill children with a play park gained vital backing last week, paving the way for a funding venture of up to �45,000 to begin.

West Hill Village Hall committee members gave the green light for a play area to be sited on land, held in trust by them, following a meeting with local councillors and police representatives last Thursday.

Driving forces behind the bid had been told it stood "a very good chance" of bagging up to �45,000 of Devon County Council (DCC) cash if the site, behind the village hall, was secured.

If the bid is successful, work on it could begin in spring 2011.

County Councillor Roger Giles, said: "We had a frank discussion and everyone had a chance to air their views. We appreciate that it wasn't an easy decision, so it is great news that we have their support. The land is absolutely ideal.

"It is now full steam ahead on preparing a detailed application."

The village hall land is seen as an ideal site for a children's play area as it is at the heart of the village and within a 20mph zone, within easy walking distance for the majority of residents and is on a flat, open aspect to allow for easy supervision.

Children have been asked what equipment they would like in the park before play design companies are invited to come up with proposals for consideration.

Town councillor Claire Wright said: "As part of the consultation process a questionnaire has been delivered to every home in West Hill. It is vital that if people want to give their view about the proposal they complete the form and return it to the post office. It would help us enormously too, if young people and children list the types of equipment they would prefer, remembering that the apparatus must be challenging and a bit different."

A working group has been set up to discuss the play park's size, precise location, insurance, maintenance and responsibility for it,

- Cllr Wright can be contacted on (01404) 812531 or at wrightpr@btinternet.com