Money from housing developments to improve village play parks

Play areas in two villages near Stafford are to benefit from a £400,000 makeover after the funding was agreed by senior councillors.

The schemes will be funded by money developers have had to contribute following house building in the ‘Haywoods,’

The park in the St Mary’s area of Little Haywood will have an overhaul with new play facilities for toddlers and juniors - with residents sharing views on the new equipment they wanted to see.

Jubilee Playing Fields in neighbouring Great Haywood will see the car park, toilets and changing rooms all improved - with better drainage to help the increased use of upgraded football pitches. There are also plans for floodlighting and charging points for electric vehicles on the car park. The ‘Jubilee’ is already a popular destination with play equipment, multi-use games area, skateboard facility and bike track.

Members of Stafford Borough Council’s cabinet gave permission on Thursday (11 July) to spend the cash - which is known as ‘Section 106’ money - on the project. Councillors were told the total cost would be around £420,000 - with the money coming from homes built near the Jubilee Playing Fields, Greenacres and Little Tixall Road in Great Haywood as well as Coley Lane in Little Haywood.

A report to the cabinet stated the projects were identified as a priority in the Colwich Neighbourhood Plan, and as the result of a residents’ survey.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “I’m pleased that we will be able to provide significant funds to enhance two parks, in Little and Great Haywood, which will benefit youngsters and families for years to come.

“The council has a good track record of delivering excellent play facilities in the borough and I expect this will be no exception. Having great parks not only improves the aesthetics of an area - it also helps improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

The full report can be found at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/cabinet