THE newly refurbished Stallard Way play area is now officially open after several guests including Fiona Bruce MP and Town Mayor Paul Edwards went to test out the new equipment at a launch event.


The play area, which is located between Stallard Way and St Anne’s road, was announced open to the public on Friday, November 14, and schoolchildren who went along to the launch were excited to see the new-look park in full swing.


Clr Paul Edwards, Middlewich Town Mayor, said: “It was great to see another play area refurbished in Middlewich and I hope they get a lot of enjoyment out of it because I certainly did.


“Most of the problem with vandalism is more littering rather than anything else but something still needs to be done to make sure this park is well looked after.


“It is a community facility and it’s about all of us working together and taking pride in new facilities like Stallard Way.


The improvements to the play area include a new range of play equipment, safer surfacing, a new community orchard and trimming of surrounding shrubs and plants.


The project cost a total of £60,000 and was funded by a grant from environmental body WREN, as well as contributions from Middlewich Town Council and Middlewich Vision.


The project arose after a local consultation which took place earlier this year.


Residents and groups were asked what improvements they wanted and the results were reviewed to come up with a play area created by the residents.