WORK to upgrade a Whitminster play area has started.

Whitminster Village Hall & Playing Field Charity are leading the £41,000 project to add to and improve the limited play equipment on the playing field on School Lane.

The tarmac surface by the playing field’s basketball hoop has been replaced this week, ready for the installation of new play equipment which will be inclusive for children and young people of all ages and physical abilities.

Work is expected to be complete by April 2016.

Funding for the work is coming from various sources including Awards for All (£10,000), Children’s Activity Fund (£2,000) and Whitminster Sports Club (£2,000).

The Veolia Environmental Trust have also awarded a grant of £13,952 through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The need for the project was identified from responses to a questionnaire in the parish plan of 2008 by the local community.

A pitch assessment carried out by the Gloucestershire Playing Field Association in 2014 also highlighted the poor range of equipment, the lack of inclusive play opportunities, concerns about the state of the safety surface and the lack of seating in the area. The report concluded that the play area was ‘below average’.

Four community consultation events were subsequently carried out and members of the public were incited to give feedback and suggestions for the project.

Secretary of Whitminster Village Hall & Playing Field Charity, Honor Jones, says, “The improvements to the playing field will benefit the whole community of Whitminster as well as the surrounding area, including local schools and sports clubs. We are delighted that work is underway.”

The Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, adds, “This project will make a real difference to the lives of children and families in the area, encouraging active outdoor play and promoting social cohesion. I look forward to seeing the completed results.”