Saintfield kids enjoy their new playground

Saintfield kids enjoy their new playground

24 July 2013

THE finishing touches have been put to a new £100,000 play area in Saintfield.

The Saintfield Community Estates Partnership has been working closely with Down Council and the Down Rural Area Partnership to provide the facility at the New Line.

The play area — which is the only one in Saintfield — has been completely transformed with a range of new equipment and layout to meet the needs of local children.

Down Council owns the play area and agreed to hand it over to allow redevelopment work to take place. The local authority is also making a contribution towards final development costs.

Mrs. Susan Welsh, Chairwoman of Saintfield Community Estates Partnership, said everyone is delighted that the hard work by so many people over the years has finally paid off.

“We are thrilled that the work on the new playground is now almost complete. The New Line facility has been completely transformed, replacing a facility that was constructed over four decades ago,” she revealed.

“We have had tremendous feedback from children and parents who have described the new play area as ‘fantastic.’ We are delighted with the comments which make all the hard work over the past number of years really worthwhile.”

Mrs. Welsh said one important aspect of the new development is that the

people of Saintfield helped deliver it via a financial contribution of £5,000. She also paid tribute to the support and encouragement her group received from staff at the Co. Down Rural Community Network.

Mrs. Welsh said the Saintfield group is really delighted children and parents are impressed with the new play area and that its modern design is very appealing.

“It is eight years since we decided to do something about the old play area which had long since passed its sell-by-date. We made a bid for funding three years ago and now here we are with a brilliant new community facility for Saintfield,” she continued.

“The hard work has been worthwhile and the Saintfield Community Estates Partnership can’t thank enough all those who have helped us achieve our goal.”

Rowallane councillor Robert Burgess has praised the efforts of the Saintfield group in delivering the new play area.

He said the new facility is arguably one of the best in the district and is delighted that after many years of campaigning, the ultra-modern play area is now in place.

Councillor Burgess also thanked local people for their patience during the campaign to deliver the new play area and thanked the various funders for their crucial support.

“The people of Saintfield very much appreciate the efforts of the Community Estates Partnership in delivering this superb new facility which is a major asset for the town,” he added.