Malmesbury to build teen play area
A UNANIMOUS vote from Malmesbury town councillors has secured the go-ahead for the Reeds Farm Play Area.
Councillors agreed at a meeting on Tuesday night to open a public consultation period so that residents can have a say about the type of play area they would like.
The scheme benefited from a major lottery windfall after North Wiltshire District Council was awarded £238,000 for play projects in November.
Reeds Farm was given £25,000 for the new play area and although it is not yet known what the final cost will be the town council has already secured around £30,000.
Developers will also be contributing to the play area fund as part of 106 agreements, which secure donations towards community facilities from major house developments.
Unlike other play areas in Malmesbury, which cater for young children, the plan for Reeds Farm is to give teenagers a place to get together.
Chairman of the Youth and Leisure committee, Ray Sanderson, said: "It was a unanimous vote so it is good news for everyone.
"Hopefully we will meet with resident at Reeds Farm to get a better idea about the sort of play area, and equipment the want to see.
"We've had the funding in place for a while, it was just a case of all agreeing on the next step."
The play area is likely to include an adventure trail, a multi use play area and a shelter.
The council hope that this will take older children away from the streets and the town centre and give them a purpose built meeting place.
Malmesbury Mayor John Lawton said: "The consultation period hasn't even opened yet but we will be meeting with young people and parents at Reeds farm to ask what they would like.
"Now that the cash is in place the residents are helping us achieve something they all want. It will be for those in their teens or even early twenties.
"There is a worry that it will be vandalised but we have to trust that somewhere along the line people will take responsibility and respect it. If it is vandalised it won't be replaced because there isn't money to do so."
The plans are still in the early stages and Coun Lawton was keen to stress that there is a long way to go before work can start on the play area.
"Ideally we would like it up and running tomorrow but we can't start because a consultation hasn't begun yet.
"The idea is that once it is finished the town council will adopt the space and take on the running of it, if it meets ROSPA safety standards."
Anyone who would like to make a suggestion for the play area should write to the youth and leisure committee at Malmesbury Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Wiltshire, SN16 9BZ.
2:11pm Thursday 13th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Anon emouse, Around and about on 1:26pm Fri 14 Mar 08
[quote]Chairman of the Youth and Leisure committee, Ray Sanderson, said: "It was a unanimous vote so it is good news for everyone.[/quote]
This translates into "its a good time to have it at Reeds Farm now Mr Sandersons has moved else where."
Chairman of the Youth and Leisure committee, Ray Sanderson, said: "It was a unanimous vote so it is good news for everyone.
This translates into "its a good time to have it at Reeds Farm now Mr Sandersons has moved else where."
Posted by: donteventhinkit, Corsham on 12:32pm Sat 15 Mar 08
an adventure trail play area and shelter are you having a laugh? did anyone bother to ask those wandering the street what they want? maybe you should then and only then will you make something they respect
an adventure trail play area and shelter are you having a laugh? did anyone bother to ask those wandering the street what they want? maybe you should then and only then will you make something they respect
Posted by: walter, wilshur on 12:57pm Sat 15 Mar 08
Who are "teens"? Thirteen year olds and nineteen year olds have nothing in common. The older ones can drink, drive, and screw each other, the younger ones shouldn't!
Who are "teens"? Thirteen year olds and nineteen year olds have nothing in common. The older ones can drink, drive, and screw each other, the younger ones shouldn't!
Posted by: Anon emouse, Around and about on 3:49pm Sat 15 Mar 08
[quote][bold]walter[/bold] wrote:
Who are "teens"? Thirteen year olds and nineteen year olds have nothing in common. The older ones can drink, drive, and screw each other, the younger ones shouldn't![/quote] Seeing as Reeds Farm is near the primary school wouldn't this be best suited for a younger children style play area and build a older children one by the secondary school. Oh wait thats a bit logical
walter wrote:
Who are "teens"? Thirteen year olds and nineteen year olds have nothing in common. The older ones can drink, drive, and screw each other, the younger ones shouldn't!
Seeing as Reeds Farm is near the primary school wouldn't this be best suited for a younger children style play area and build a older children one by the secondary school. Oh wait thats a bit logical
Posted by: donteventhinkit, Corsham on 8:43am Mon 17 Mar 08
Logical thinking theres a concept thats new inventive the way forward ..... its not good they will never go for it
Logical thinking theres a concept thats new inventive the way forward ..... its not good they will never go for it
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