Let us have a place to play (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Let us have a place to play

Jordan Howard, left, and Norman Ford want an adventure playground Pic ref: 78759-25A GROUP of parents who want to make life better for their community say they have met a lack of support from their neighbours.

For the last two years The Twist project, run by a small group of parents, has been campaigning to build an adventure playground and paddling pool in Penhill Park.

But fundraiser Tracey Cousins said the group was sick of people not getting involved.

"People keep saying they want something done, but unless they get up off their backside and do something about it, the it will never change," she said.

Mrs Cousins of Winsley Close, Penhill, has four children aged between 10 years and seven months old.

They are as eager as their mum to see some changes.

"My 10-year-old daughter has said she will sleep in the park until something is done. That is how bored the kids around here are, and how much they want something done," said Mrs Cousins.

The group, which has applied for charity status, were runners up in the first Community Champion awards which are backed by the Swindon Advertiser.

They want to transform the park, which only has a couple of rusty swings but need t raise at least £50,000.

The site used to be home to an adventure playground and paddling pool which was regularly used by residents, but vandals set the equipment alight and the council had to remove it for safety reasons.

Children are desperate for something to happen and soon.

Sarah Jane Cousins, 10, said: "I just want something to do. There is nothing to do at all at the moment. An adventure playground would be really good."

All councillors from the surrounding areas were invited to the group's AGM, but only the Penhill councillors attended.

Mrs Cousins said: "It's disgusting really, I am sick of Penhill having a bad reputation and we are trying to change that. But nobody can be bothered to help us, except for our councillors who are being really supportive."

Councillors David Glaholm and Andy Harrison (both Lab, Penhill) are giving their full backing to the project.

Coun Glaholm said: "We fully support the plans and are doing all we can to ensure it reaches fruition.

"But the work is being done by a dedicated group of local people, and we are doing what we can from the sidelines."

He hopes that once residents see something happening they will be more willing to offer their support.

"I hope it will have people queuing up to get on board. Until then it is a slow struggle."

The summer playscheme workers for Penhill and Pinehurst have been trying to help ease the pressure of finding activities for kids to do.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 11am until 3pm they organise activities for children aged between five and 13.

Senior playworker Kevin Gilbert said: "We've had to turn children away this year because we can only cater for 50. It just shows the lack of facilities in the area."

The next Twist meeting is being held on September 7 at Surestart in Beech Avenue at 6pm. For more information contact Jenny Jones on 01793 722427.

Stephanie Tye