Play area to receive makeover thanks to £24,000 grant

A grant of £24,000 will bolster a run down play area in Swaffham.

Oaklands Play Area will receive the grant from 'Pocket Parks Plus', a government programme recognising the importance of green spaces for local communities.

The grant will ensure the playground can have new equipment and benches by early summer.

An 80m hedgerow will also be planted as part of the project in the autumn or winter.

Swaffham Town Council obtained the grant and will provide match-funding.

Richard Bishop, town clerk, said: "It's great to be able to revamp the play area and make it a much more attractive and interesting place for the local community to enjoy.

"We will be working in partnership with the Rotary Club to plant the hedge and plan to hold an Open Day later in the year to celebrate the completion of the project".

The Rotary Club of Swaffham will be supplying and planting the new hedge as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations this year.

'Pockets Parks Plus' applications closed in late January this year.

In February, the government announced an increase in the level of funding for the project from £1 million to £3.75 million.

The fund was created to support parks which have fallen into disrepair and which could benefit local communities by being restored.