A crowd gathered at the Easterton Lane recreation ground in Pewsey to see the unveiling of the revamped play area, opened by Wiltshire MP Claire Perry.

After deciding to mark the Queen's 90th birthday in a way which will benefit the village and the surrounding community the parish council decided to improve the three play areas in the village. To open the improved recreation ground in Easterton Lane, Claire Perry joined the parish council and the 50 people who attended to celebrate the works on Friday (July 22).

Phillip Stevens, 67, parish councillor for Pewsey, said: “We opened the improved park in Broomcroft Road in Easter and then the recreation ground on Friday. Claire came along and so did a large group made up of families from the area. We will be opening the third later this year. We added equipment for children of all abilities, so we put a roundabout that has enough space for three children in wheelchairs or family members if they also want to join in.”

After applying to the Pewsey Area Board for additional funding, the proposal was successful and the parish council received £5,000 out of the £10,000 they needed to buy the equipment and make the changes.

“All of the parks aren’t just for the people of Pewsey, people come from nearby villages to use them. Most places have a swing set but our parks have zip wires and a lot of other play equipment. It is something that is going to benefit a lot of families in the area,” added Mr Stevens.

As well as the new play equipment, the parish council has also added an area for children to learn how to ride their bikes, away from the danger of traffic.

“On the tarmac adjacent to the football pitch we have placed little signs and road markings to children have a safe environment to learn how to ride their bikes properly before going onto the roads. It is a simple idea that has worked really well,” said Mr Stevens.