Youngsters celebrate as new play area opens in West Dereham

Youngsters in West Dereham have something to celebrate following the opening of a new play area in their village.

The play equipment is officially up and running following a grand opening at St Andrews Close, where a red ribbon was cut by seven-year-old Talia Cross, a young resident.

Nick Drew, the chair of West Dereham Parish Council, thanked all those who had contributed financially to make the project a reality.

Those included the FCC Communities Foundation (£50,076), West Norfolk Council through its CIL funding (£30,000), Mick George from Downham Rotary Club, the Tesco Blue Token Scheme, Big K and generous donations from villagers.

Cllr Drew said: “We’re delighted to be opening this new facility in time for the school holidays. We know it will make a huge difference to those who use it, as well as the wider community.

“We are extremely grateful to FCC Communities Foundation for providing funding as we would not have been able to go ahead without its support.”

Penny Horne, FCC Communities Foundation grant manager, said: “It’s wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to children and families within West Dereham.

“FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities, and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”

The new play equipment includes a multiplay unit, roundabout, flat swings, basket swing, toddler swings, a zip wire and an obstacle course.

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