A DANGEROUS, closed-off playpark on Silverlands Road in Rowde will enjoy a new lease of life thanks to a grant of £20,000.

Children from the surrounding area have been unable to access the cordoned off play area throughout the pandemic due to damaged and outdated equipment.

Rowde Parish Council have long since called for change at the site, and have had their prayers answered with news of a five-figure sum.

The park will, after its transformation, also be passed into the ownership of the Parish Council.

Cabinet member children, Laura Mayes has helped secure £20,000 in funding from Wiltshire Council which will go towards a complete redesign of the area.

The parish council are eager for kids, or adults, with ideas to come forward and share what they think should be included in the refurbishment project. Final ideas will then be collated and put to the community.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Cllr Laura MayesCllr Laura Mayes

“The amount of money was a huge and welcome surprise,” said Lisa Wills, of Rowde Parish Council.

"The Parish Council was trying for a while to find a solution. We want people to get in touch with their ideas and ideally would have the park open by the summer holidays.

“There’s the schools in the same area as well, so we want to make sure there are areas that suit them to enjoy as well.”

Cllr Mayes added: “The park has been closed for a long time which has been disappointing for local families.

“I’m glad to have helped facilitate the new funding for what will hopefully be a really good space for the community.”

Lisa’s daughter Isla and Kiesha Mckenzie’s children Kamarni and Jalen, have already suggested a range of fun ideas such as a big slide, trampolines, a football area and even a zipwire.

Email your own ideas to rowdeparishcouncil@gmail.com or laura.mayes@wiltshire.gov.uk