Subsequent to significant amounts of fundraising from local residents, businesses and Local government grants, plus equal amounts of efforts, the long awaited new playground equipment has finally been installed in Grateley’s Locke Close Play area. This was officially opened by our MP Caroline Noakes on Saturday 12th July. The following report has appeared in the Andover Advertiser.

Grateley has new play area opened by MP

The Welcome.

Cllr Keith Smith, Chair of Grateley Parish Council, and on behalf of Test Valley Borough Council, welcomed everyone to the official opening of the Locke Close Playground.

Cllr Smith stated ‘’It has been a difficult and challenging journey to reach the moment, and I take the opportunity to firstly thank all those residents who campaigned over the years for the installation of replacement play equipment’’. He read out the list of those who had made a financial contribution to the project fund, and thanked them all for their contributions without which there would not be a new playground.

He continued, ‘’We may have the funding, but you need someone to manage the project, I would like to thank Cllr Wingfield who brought the project through to fruition’’, and finally ‘’Shortly I will be asking the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP to unveiling of a commemorative plaque and cut the tape declaring the playground officially open’’.

Background.

The original timber play area at the site was installed in the early 1990s as part of an affordable housing development. Over time, the equipment fell into disrepair and was removed for safety reasons, leaving Grateley without a play space for several years. The parish council launched the new project in response to strong support from residents.

The project was led by Grateley Parish Council with support from Test Valley Borough Council, the National Lottery, and other local partners, who raised more than £63,000 to fund the scheme, which includes climbing frames, swings, and a zip wire, just one of the highlights of a brand-new play area. After securing a lease agreement with Test Valley Borough Council, which own the playing field, the parish council appointed AVA Recreation Ltd to carry out the installation and Shire Fencing and Woodworking to complete the project.

Cllr Smith stated that the project was ‘’the largest single project ever undertaken by Grateley Parish Council’’.

Cllr Smith invited the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP to unveil the commemorative sign and then to cut the tape, declaring the Locke Close Playground officially open.

Following the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and ribbon-cutting, the children wasted no time exploring the new equipment, together with Ms Nokes who tried out the zip wire during the event.

The MP continued, “It’s a great reminder of what’s possible when people work together with a shared vision. This project is a testament to the strength of community spirit in Grateley.”

“I know it will be a well-loved space for local children to play, explore, and create memories for many years to come.”

‘’The new play area is expected to become a central part of village life, offering a safe and fun environment for children to enjoy throughout the year’’.