It’s not every day you get to open a helter skelter

In 2001, residents in Mayfield Road sent a petition to Southam Town Council and housing association Orbit Heart of England asking for a play area for younger children.

Following a consultation with residents, Orbit, the council and community group Southam at Play worked together to raise money for the scheme, and the town’s mayor Cllr Mike Gaffney joined residents at its official opening on Saturday.

Cllr Andy Crump of community group Southam at Play said: “This play facility will help build stronger communities as it provides a place for parents to meet and socialise while their children play.

“It will benefit residents greatly by providing a safe play area and will encourage them to develop a greater sense of pride in their neighbourhood.”

Orbit, Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN), which distributes landfill tax funding, Southam Town Council and Southam 2020 Vision contributed just over £50,000 to pay for landscaping of the land owned by Orbit Heart of England and the provision of play equipment. Southam Town Council will pay for inspection and maintenance over the next ten years.

Harriet Wood at Orbit Heart of England added: “This is an important facility for our customers living at Mayfield Road, as previously the nearest suitable facility was almost a mile away, across a busy road. Many of our homes at Mayfield Road are flats of families with young children who do not have their own garden, which makes this accessible outdoor space a huge benefit.

“We are delighted to have worked with our customers on this project, enabling them to have a direct involvement in shaping services in their local area.”