Bigger, safer and heaps more fun (From Penarth Times)

Bigger, safer and heaps more fun

PEMBROKE Terrace's run-down play area is set for a massive revamp, thanks to a cash boost from the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

The authority has given the town council £12,500 to refurbish the neglected site. This will form about 60 per cent of the money needed to renovate the play area, which will cost £21,500. Penarth Town Council will pay the shortfall.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council supplied the money after successfully bidding for a Community Action Self Help, or CASH grant. These are part of a scheme which provides local councils with an opportunity to undertake capital schemes.

But Monmouthshire County Council will be doing the work, having been the successful contractor to make the bid.

Operations manager Nigel Leaworthy said: "We have started the work and hope to have the project finished by the middle to end of May. The children's play equipment will be set up to the latest safety standards."

He added: "We have had other contracts in the Vale and one was the Barrett Street play area in Barry. We have installed and inspected many play areas which reach European standards of safety for children."

A Vale Council spokesman said: "The design, contract development and supervision has been carried out by the Landscape section of the Vale council.

"The work includes realigned and refurbished pathways; a new climbing unit and see-saw with new safety surfacing under the equipment; wall and floor murals; plus new and refurbished seating."

Leader of the Vale Council Jeffrey James added: "The scheme is an important feature of our efforts to work in partnership with town and community councils."

The town council will inspect and look after the area when it is completed.