May 19, 2009
MP OPENS NEW PLAY AND GAMES FACILITIES AT BIERLOW PARK
A NEW play area and multi-use games area (MUGA) has opened at Bierlow Park in Brampton Bierlow.
More than £120,000 has been spent on the facilities, which will mean local children can make the most of the summer in a safe and secure environment.
Wentworth MP John Healey and Cllr Audrey Hart, chair of Brampton Bierlow Parish Council, cut the ribbon before local schoolchildren tried out the facilities and enjoyed activities and games.
The £62,000 play area has been paid for by Rotherham Council and the government through the Play Pathfinder Programme, which will see 30 play areas built or improved across Rotherham.
Mr Healey said: “Bierlow Park has been transformed in recent months and I hope children of all ages will get outside this summer and enjoy these exciting new facilities.
“I know it is hard for families to find activities their children want to do and that keep them active. But now hundreds of children have a fun, free and safe site right on their doorstep.”
The £65,000 MUGA – where youngsters can play basketball, netball, cricket, hockey and football – has been funded by Brampton Bierlow Parish Council and the Big Lottery Fund.
Bellway Homes, which is building the nearby Heron’s Reach development, donated £15,000 to the parish council which helped fund the MUGA and will go towards a new wildlife area, to be created soon.
Cllr Hart said: “Looking back just a few years Bierlow Park was just an open space boasting one football pitch and two rusty old swings.
“The parish council working with Groundwork Dearne Valley developed a plan for the park a few years ago, and since 2005 we have managed to attract about £300,000 of external money to provide recreational facilities.
“We are currently looking at plans to develop the Pontefract Road end of the park into a wildlife area and it is hoped that some initial work will start later this year.
“I am very pleased to see further evidence of the plan unfolding and providing a real attraction in the heart of the village. I would urge as many people as possible to enjoy and respect the facility we are creating in the park.”