New playground and skate park open in West Winch thanks to funds from Aiva Lamacraft, Lola Frary and West Norfolk Council
Villagers have been treated to a new playground and skate park track with the help of fundraising exploits from two enthusiastic youngsters.
Both a new play area and skate pump track have been officially opened in West Winch, with residents Aiva Lamacraft, 9, and Lola Frary, 12, getting the ball rolling.
To boost the project, Aiva ran 60 miles and Lola threw basketball hoops for one hour every day for a month - and between them they raised around £1,000.
The playground, which is located close to the village hall and social club and within a few hundred metres of the primary school, has been improved with new equipment - including a zip wire and climbing frames.
Meanwhile, the old skate park has been replaced with a new skate pump track, with both opened to the public on November 26.
The bulk of the funding for the project came via a £99,989 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation and £50,000 from West Norfolk Council's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
Cllr Richard Blunt, the borough council’s cabinet member for regeneration and development, and chair of its CIL panel, said: "Well done to Aiva and Lola for their commitment to improving play facilities in their village, which has ultimately resulted in a fantastic new facility for this village.
"CIL funding was designed for projects like this, which add real amenity value to communities. I hope the people of West Winch enjoy the new equipment for many years to come."
West Winch parish councillor Michele Summers also expressed delight that the facilities are now in use.
She said: "This vital facility is already making a real difference to the village, especially the children and young people. We are extremely grateful to all funders as we would not have been able to go ahead without their support."
Richard Smith, grant manager of FCC Communities Foundation - a not-for-profit organisation which awards grants for community project - said: "It’s wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to children and young people across West Winch.
"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 next round of CIL funding opens for applications on January 1 and closes on February 1.
More details are available at: https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/cil-applications