Extra funding boost for Swaffham play area

Wheelchair access is being improved at a Swaffham play area with the town council matching a funding shortfall for the site.

Swaffham Town Council has been earmarked £1,252 in balances reserved for play areas in the town.

Speaking during a full council meeting earlier this month, town clerk Richard Bishop said a total of £16,500 has been set aside for Oaklands and Merryweather play areas.

The town council unanimously agreed to the funding for Oaklands after being proposed by Residents4Residents councillor Graham Edwards and seconded by Independent Judy Anscombe.

New benches are being installed at the play area as part of a new “hard area” which makes the site suitable for wheelchair access.

A government grant of £24,000 had been pumped into Oaklands in April after the site had become run down.

The grant came from the Pocket Parks Plus scheme, recognising the importance of green spaces for local communities.

A statement from Swaffham Town Council in April had said the new benches would be installed by early summer, along with an 80m hedgerow by winter.

However, Mr Bishop told the council meeting this month: “The benches are not installed yet, but they are already paid for.”

He added: “This seems a sensible use of this particular budget.”

Swaffham Town Council obtained the initial grant.