Parents’ £50,000 bid to improve play area

Concerned that facilities on their Durham City estate are falling into disrepair, the parents have formed Newton Hall Playground Action Group.

They will launch a campaign to raise the cash needed to transform the Richmond Road play park tomorrow.

Other residents and children can find out more about the group's plans by visiting All Saints Church, in Carr House Drive, between 2pm and 5pm.

No decision has been taken on how the facilities will be improved.

Leaflets and brochures showing various options will be on display.

Magical Mick the magician will entertain children and there will be a raffle, cake stall and refreshments to start the fund-raising drive.

Ideas for how the playground could be improved were drawn up following consultation with children, who asked for new swings, slides and roundabouts.

Action group leaders say the project will cost tens of thousands of pounds.

Last month, more than 50 people attended a public meeting to discuss the project.

Kevin Edworthy, a committee member and father-of-two, said: "We were very pleased with the interest that the meeting attracted and also the level of interest there is from local people in improving the playground."

Nick Prowse, who was elected group chairman at the meeting and is also a father-of-two, said: "This is something I feel very strongly about. Since the meeting, we've had donations in excess of £3,000, so things are looking very healthy already."

A play parks fund was established in 2004. It currently contains about £8,000.

The Richmond Road park has suffered in recent years, with swings and a roundabout being removed for safety reasons.

Durham City Council has offered to lease the playground to the fund, so it can carry out the desired improvements, but only if the group achieves charitable status. Last month's meeting agreed it should pursue this.

Anyone interested in supporting the Newton Hall Playground Action Group can call Mr Prowse on 07779-225-504.