Play time as new park is opened

The playground, in Nene Close, has been completed thanks to the work of Wansford Parish Council, Nene Valley Tots and the Augean community Fund.

Residents have welcomed the new facility, which has been opened in time for youngsters to play in it throughout the Spring and Summer

John Stannage, of Wansford Parish Council, said it had been a long journey for the villagers to get to the completion of the park.

Mr Stannage said: “It has been a labour of love to get this playground open, over three years of negotiation, but we leased the land from Peterborough City Council, were well supported in our bid for funds through the Grantscape route, and had a great community group working alongside us.

“ I’d also like to thank our Peterborough City Councillor, Diane Lamb for continuing to support us with this village amenity, sometimes small villages can feel they are not being heard!’

Becky Eames, of Nene Valley Tots, - a community group which runs a weekly session in the village hall for children, said it was great news for families in the village.

She said: “We were the only village locally with no play equipment, and it’s fantastic that we no longer need to travel to a park – it’s important to the tots and also parents and carers to have somewhere local to walk to, and meet neighbours.

“We’re really pleased that the play area has been designed with the input of local residents and we are thrilled with the results.”

Plans are to continue to raise more money for more seating in the park, and the local Horticultural Society has offered to help with planting on the site.