CHILDREN from Holton Road Primary school helped open a newly refurbished play area in Barry.

Around 30 children from the school attended the official opening of the play area on May 19. The children took part in a range of activities and tested the new equipment.

The play area, behind George Street and Digby Street, features a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and playground equipment.

Children also took part in ball skills, scooter skill sessions and rode a smoothie bike to blend their own fruit smoothies.

The regeneration project was kick started last year and a consultation session with Holton Road’s School Council provided ideas for the new play area.

Working with the Vale’s Youth Service, Barry Communities First team coordinated an engagement and consultation exercise with the children from the school and residents to make the refurbishment and subsequent reopening of the park a resounding success.

Mark Ellis, senior development officer commented: “This has been a really successful partnership working project and the play area is now a well utilised facility in the heart of the Castleland Ward”.

Representatives from the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Welsh Government also attended the opening. The new play area forms part of the council’s Local Development Plan and utilises part of a £1 million tranche of Welsh Government funding, awarded to support regeneration projects in Barry.

Cllr Lis Burnett, cabinet member for regeneration and education attended the opening: “It is fantastic to see another regeneration project reaching completion and providing real benefits to the community.

“The wonderful facilities and the new play area make excellent use of the space and will provide a focal point for children in the community, where they are able to play safely.

“I would like to thank our partner in delivering this project, Sutcliffe Play, who have also donated sporting equipment to Holton Primary School.”