RURAL mothers have united with their parish council to create new play area for their children.

Parents and volunteers in Middleton-in-Teesdale are working with the parish council to improve the play area in Wesley Terrace.

The play area was closed by Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council in July 2018 after the results of a safety inspection showed that improvements needed to be made.

After immediate safety concerns were addressed, and the swings and trim trail were removed, the play area reopened later in the year.

The newly formed play area working group is made up of councillors and volunteers, many who have young children, to focus on improving the play area and fundraising for new play equipment.

Modern, safe and engaging play equipment is expensive and so the working group is appealing to local businesses and individuals to support the good cause. Funding applications are also being made to several community grants.

Mother-of-three, Grace Crawford said: “We want the play area to be a fun place for generations of families to spend time together.

“An improved play area will not only benefit local families but visitors too.”

Members of the working group particularly want to make sure that the improved play area is inclusive to children of all ages and abilities, for example by installing a swing that can be safely used by children with mobility difficulties.

Families can have their say on the format of the play area at the consultation and fundraising event on Saturday, 9 February, with a drop-in session between 1-3pm at the Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services building.

Mum Faye Docherty said: “We need to hear ideas from children of all ages about the new equipment they would like to see in their play area, and which apparatus they love to play on and wish to keep.”

Refreshments and children’s activities will be available at the event, as well as a raffle. Donations of raffle prizes and cakes to be sold on 9 February will be gratefully received.

Village mum Brigitte Hodgson said: “Thank you to those who have already made generous donations to the fund.

“We want to make sure that new equipment bought is safe and exciting for the children and will be enjoyed for many years to come. We still have a lot of money to raise to achieve our goal.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the play area fund should write a cheque, made payable to Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council, Moor Edge, Snaisgill, Middleton-in-Teesdale DL12 0RP, or by bank transfer to sort code 20-25-29 account number 93540510, with the donor’s name as a reference.