Oxborough finally has a children's play area on village green after delays to project

They had to jump through hoops to make it happen but Oxborough finally has its long awaited children’s playground on its village green.

And even the local farmer, who was at the centre of a dispute which delayed the project, is happy to see the play area in place.

It has taken more than a year to sort out a legal issue but the play equipment is finally in position.

Work was due to finish on Thursday and, subject to it being signed off, insurance in place, and good weather, it could be open for the weekend.

Parish council chairman, Simon Willies, said: “It has taken time and we had to go through a few hoops but I am pleased that, at the end of the day it has happened and we have got a play area which will benefit the local residents. There are a lot of children in the village so let’s hope we see them out there using it.”

He said that the council would be arranging a formal opening ceremony at some point in the future.

Fellow parish councillor Ian Monson is the landowner who originally gave the village the land for the village green and objected to the play area because of a covenant in the sale agreement between his company, Oxborough Farms, and the parish council, relating to permanent structures on the green.

But he says that this issue has been settled without breaking the covenant and he is “delighted it has gone ahead.”

He said that it is well located on a corner of the green close to the pub but away from a tree which could have presented some danger.

“More families with children are coming to live in the village so I hope they will enjoy the play area and that it will be there for future generations.”

Mr Monson added that he also hopes that more house building will be allowed in the village for first time buyers so that more families are attracted to Oxborough.

The play area, which has wooden structures, has been funded by the parish council with additional help from a lottery grant.