Children's Playground in Ashley Newmarket

The Children's playground is sited next to the Pavilion building at the end of the village in Newmarket road.

The children and teenagers in the village, listed their own priorities for the area as being a zip wire, BMX track and Youth shelter. However, with a large price tag for just the zip wire and the shelter, it would not be possible to provide this equipment without out side help, and even then, we would have to rely on donations of top soil etc. and voluntary help with some of the groundwork. Park The Parish Council are no longer intending to rotovate the area as it is feared that this may damage the membrane and draw in mud.

The recreation ground car park has been re-gravelled and the cost has been generously met by the Pavilion Trust.

Peter Bridge has volunteered to take on responsibility of carrying out a weekly visual check of the equipment and keeping a written record of defects found on the Councils's behalf.

Maintenance priorities for 2011/12 have been considered based on the 2011 ROSPA report, a supplementary report from Mr P Bridge (Play Area Warden) and a quotation from the specialist contractor K H Services.

It was decided that a new and larger gate should be provided at the play park entrance located in same position as existing gate, at an estimated cost of £340.00.

The play area to be to be topped up with 4 bags of play bark and raked over in early Spring 2012 at an estimated cost £450.00.

The Parish Council is to consult with East Cambs DC Environmental Health Officer regarding the feasibility of spraying of weed killer (such as Round Up ) to deal with current weed growth in the Play Area.

ROSPA has assessed the Carousel base as low risk and in view of this, new and expensive safety matting could not be justified. However, it was felt that the edges of the base could be further shaved to improve both safety and appearance.

Whilst the surrounding fence was subject to rot in places, this was currently insufficient to justify the suggested £2,000 plus on refurbishment.

Whilst the Council does its best to maintain the area in a safe condition for the enjoyment of the children, it is disappointing that its efforts are continually undermined by those who seem to enjoy causing damage to the fittings. With budgets now stretched, there will soon come a time when constantly paying to rectify damage caused by mindless vandalism, becomes unaffordable - if this happens, parts of the area may have to be closed. The Parish Council would therefore urge any resident that witnesses persons causing damage in the play area to immediately inform the police. Their service centre number is 101.

The Parish Council accepted a £15,000 grant from the Amey Cespa Fund, towards the cost of the aerial zip wire and youth shelter for the recreation ground. This funding, together with donations from local businesses and some parish funding, enabled the Council to complete the purchase. It is hoped that the equipment will be properly respected by its users.